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Houston Astros outfielder Carlos Gomez designated for assignment
The Houston Astros announced Wednesday that outfielder Carlos Gomez has been designated for assignment.
"I know I didn't do my best," Gomez told the Houston Chronicle. "I wish the best to them. They have a great team and organization."
Gomez also told MLB.com, "It's not a secret that I'm not doing my job, and I'm really disappointed in myself."
This season, Gomez had a .210 average in 85 games for the Astros. He has five home runs and 29 RBIs.
"This has nothing to do with Carlos' effort," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow told reporters before the team's game against the Minnesota Twins. "Carlos has put in 100 percent. We all see how much he enjoys playing the game and how much he cares about what happens. It's one of those situations where, for whatever reason, it didn't work out here in the way he wanted to and the way we wanted to."
Manager A.J. Hinch praised Gomez's attitude despite the persistent struggles.
"I just think he put a lot of pressure on himself to be perfect, and the harder he tried, sometimes the more difficult it became," Hinch said. "It wasn't a lack of effort. It wasn't a lack of preparation. It wasn't a lack of anything other than production on the field."
The Astros have 10 days to either trade Gomez, assign him to the minor leagues or release him. Gomez can also be claimed by another team off irrevocable outright waivers.
Gomez, 30, was acquired by the Astros from the Brewers in a deadline deal in July 2015. In 41 games with Houston last season, he batted .242 with four home runs and 13 RBIs.
"Sometimes it just doesn't work," Hinch said. "I know he carried the burden of being the big acquisition in July. He often spoke of feeling responsible and trying to play better for the team, knowing that he was a big addition last July during the playoff race. We can poke holes at guys, especially on their way out the door, but I'll choose to remember the more positive impact -- the home run in New York in the playoffs, the continual energy behind the scenes, the selflessness in talking to some of the young players."
The Astros were a surprise AL wild-card team last year and after beating the Yankees fell to the World Series champion Kansas City Royals in five games in the next round.
Gomez was an All-Star with the Brewers in 2013 and 2014. In both seasons, he batted .284 and had 73 RBIs.
He is in the final season of a three-year, $24 million contract that is paying him $9 million this year.
The Astros recalled right-handed reliever Jandel Gustave from Triple-A Fresno to fill Gomez's roster spot. Jake Marisnick will take over in center field, and Tony Kemp will get plenty of time in left field. Colby Rasmus is on the disabled list with an ear problem.
"I know I didn't do my best," Gomez told the Houston Chronicle. "I wish the best to them. They have a great team and organization."
Gomez also told MLB.com, "It's not a secret that I'm not doing my job, and I'm really disappointed in myself."
This season, Gomez had a .210 average in 85 games for the Astros. He has five home runs and 29 RBIs.
"This has nothing to do with Carlos' effort," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow told reporters before the team's game against the Minnesota Twins. "Carlos has put in 100 percent. We all see how much he enjoys playing the game and how much he cares about what happens. It's one of those situations where, for whatever reason, it didn't work out here in the way he wanted to and the way we wanted to."
Manager A.J. Hinch praised Gomez's attitude despite the persistent struggles.
"I just think he put a lot of pressure on himself to be perfect, and the harder he tried, sometimes the more difficult it became," Hinch said. "It wasn't a lack of effort. It wasn't a lack of preparation. It wasn't a lack of anything other than production on the field."
The Astros have 10 days to either trade Gomez, assign him to the minor leagues or release him. Gomez can also be claimed by another team off irrevocable outright waivers.
Gomez, 30, was acquired by the Astros from the Brewers in a deadline deal in July 2015. In 41 games with Houston last season, he batted .242 with four home runs and 13 RBIs.
"Sometimes it just doesn't work," Hinch said. "I know he carried the burden of being the big acquisition in July. He often spoke of feeling responsible and trying to play better for the team, knowing that he was a big addition last July during the playoff race. We can poke holes at guys, especially on their way out the door, but I'll choose to remember the more positive impact -- the home run in New York in the playoffs, the continual energy behind the scenes, the selflessness in talking to some of the young players."
The Astros were a surprise AL wild-card team last year and after beating the Yankees fell to the World Series champion Kansas City Royals in five games in the next round.
Gomez was an All-Star with the Brewers in 2013 and 2014. In both seasons, he batted .284 and had 73 RBIs.
He is in the final season of a three-year, $24 million contract that is paying him $9 million this year.
The Astros recalled right-handed reliever Jandel Gustave from Triple-A Fresno to fill Gomez's roster spot. Jake Marisnick will take over in center field, and Tony Kemp will get plenty of time in left field. Colby Rasmus is on the disabled list with an ear problem.
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