The Astros designated J.J. Matijevic and Bligh Madris for assignment on Thursday to clear spots on their 40-man roster for César Salazar and Corey Julks.
In a bigger surprise, the team did not place second baseman Jose Altuve on the 60-day injured list, offering at least some hope he can return before June. Altuve underwent surgery on his fractured thumb earlier this month and, according to general manager Dana Brown, is two months away from resuming baseball activities
