Cruz (groin) elected to become a free agent Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Buffalo, Cruz elected to hit the open market after passing through waivers untouched. The veteran right-hander returned to the majors for the first time since 2013 last season, though he made just two appearances before suffering a season-ending groin injury. He figures to serve as organizational bullpen depth wherever he lands this offseason.

Cruz (groin) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Saturday, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This move takes Cruz out of the picture until early September. Cruz returned to the majors this season for the first time since 2013 but strained his groin after just a couple appearances. Chris Rowley took his spot on the 40-man roster.

Cruz was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday with a right groin strain.

EDGE Analysis

Cruz may have suffered the injury at some point during his appearance in Saturday's 8-5 loss to the Yankees, when he covered 1.1 innings and gave up a run on two hits and two walks. The Blue Jays recalled Tim Mayza from Triple-A Buffalo to provide an extra relief arm in Cruz's stead.

Cruz had his contract purchased from Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Cruz has impressed over six appearances with Buffalo this season, logging a 1.04 ERA nine strikeouts across 8.2 innings of relief. The 31-year-old last pitched in a major-league game with Houston in 2013, after which he spent some time playing in Japan and Mexico. Look for him to be deployed in low-leverage spots.

Astros released RHP Rhiner Cruz. Cruz will sign with Japan's Rakuten Eagles. A former first pick of the Rule 5 Draft, Cruz holds a 5.31 ERA over 72 appearances at the major league level and had put up a 2.24 mark at Triple-A Oklahoma City this season.

Astros reassigned RHP Rhiner Cruz and RHP Jorge De Leon to minor league camp. Both hurlers were in camp competing for a role in the Opening Day bullpen. Cruz, a 27-year-old right-hander, posted an 18.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in his two innings of work this spring. He should get a chance with the Astros at some point during the regular season.

Astros sent RHP Rhiner Cruz outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The move opens a spot on Houston's 40-man roster. Cruz, 27, has a 5.31 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 76 1/3 career major league innings (72 career relief appearances).

Astros recalled RHP Rhiner Cruz from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Cruz had a 4.40 ERA and 2.02 WHIP over 14 1/3 innings earlier this season. He'll be a middle relief option for the Astros.

Astros optioned RHP Rhiner Cruz to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Cruz has really struggled with his control in the early part of the season, posting a rough 4.40 ERA and 6/9 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander figures to resurface in the bullpen at some point this summer.

Astros placed RHP Rhiner Cruz on the 15-day disabled list with an ankle sprain. Cruz should be recovered by the time his 15 days are up. He has a 2.08 ERA in 8 2/3 innings this season.