HOUSTON (AP) -The Houston Astros waived outfielder Jose Cruz, Jr. on Friday night and called up outfielder Reggie Abercrombie from Triple-A Round Rock.
Cruz, Jr., 34, signed a minor-league contract with the Astros last November. He secured a roster spot during spring training, but hit only .122 (6-for-49) in 38 games this season.
Cruz is the son of Astros first base coach Jose Cruz, who played for Houston from 1975-87. Cruz is also a close friend of Astros manager Cecil Cooper and Cooper was upset the team had to make the move.
“Very difficult,” Cooper said. “Jose and I go back a long ways. I have a lot of respect for him, a lot of respect for his family. It just didn’t work out for us.”
Abercrombie, 26, is hitting .288 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs in 56 games with Round Rock this season.
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