"Angel Sanchez will get another chance to work his way back up the Astros' food chain.

Sanchez, the 2010 Opening Day shortstop who lost his spot on the 40-man roster, cleared waivers and agreed Wednesday to a minor-league deal with the Astros that includes a non-roster invitation to spring training.

Sanchez, 28, had a .240 batting average and .590 on-base-plus slugging in 110 games last season, hitting one home run and driving in 28. A spring-training injury to Clint Barmes opened the way for Sanchez to begin the season as the starter, and he a .301 batting average and .718 OPS in April. Sanchez batted .205 in his final 185 at-bats of the season and struggled with the defensive demands at shortstop. "