"The Astros added another outfielder with major-league experience and offered five of their most promising prospects invitations to spring training.

General manager Jeff Luhnow on Monday announced the signing of former Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Justin Ruggiano – an Austin native and former Texas A&M Aggie – to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. Luhnow also extended spring-training invitations to minor-league first baseman Jonathan Singleton, second baseman Delino DeShields, shortstop Jonathan Villar and outfielders George Springer and Jake Goebbert.

"I think it's important for some of the players who are on their way up to get a chance to be exposed to big-league camp from beginning to end," Luhhow said. "See the routines the big-leaguers go through and how seriously they take everyone. Also, to get excited and get a taste of it so they're fired up about getting back to it as soon as possible.""