Astros minor leaguer Lupe Chavez retires

OAKLAND --- Righthander Lupe Chavez, the low-level prospect the Astros acquired last summer in exchange for Scott Feldman, has decided to retire.

Chavez, 19, was placed on baseball's Voluntarily Retired List on Tuesday. The reason for Chavez's sudden retirement is not known. Astros assistant general manager Mike Elias said only that it was the "player's decision."

The Astros acquired Chavez last Aug. 1 when they sent Feldman to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the non-waiver trade deadline. Chavez finished last season with the Astros' rookie-level Greeneville affiliate in the Appalachian League.

Chavez had recently been pitching in extended spring training at the Astros' complex in West Palm Beach, Fla. He had a 2.19 career ERA in 107 innings as a pro, all in rookie ball.