Astros removing reliever Kevin Chapman from 40-man roster

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The Astros have placed relief pitcher Kevin Chapman on waivers, according to industry sources, paving the way for the lefthander's removal from their 40-man roster early this week.

It's unlikely Chapman will be claimed by another team. The 29-year-old former fourth-round draft pick has a 4.09 ERA in 55 major league innings from 2013 to 2016 and had a 4.87 ERA in 61 innings in Class AAA last season.

Chapman is also out of minor league options, meaning even if he begins the season on an active 25-man roster he can't be freely shuttled between the major leagues and Class AAA. If he passes through waivers unclaimed, it's expected the Astros would keep him in the organization by simply outrighting him to Class AAA.

The Astros' 40-man roster is currently full, so they will have one open spot once Chapman's removal becomes official.

Chapman is not currently in Astros spring training as he is participating in the World Baseball Classic with Team Canada, for which the Florida native is eligible to play because his father was born in Ontario. Before leaving for the WBC, Chapman allowed five runs, three earned, and five hits (two home runs) over three Grapefruit League innings.