The Houston Astros have declined their club option on catcher Brian McCann and have outrighted right-handed pitcher Jandel Gustave off their 40-man roster. Both McCann and Gustave will become free agents. The announcement was made by Astros President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Jeff Luhnow.
McCann, 34, played 63 games for the Astros this season, making 55 starts behind the plate. He was hampered by two trips to the disabled list with right knee discomfort, which sidelined him for 59 team games. A veteran of 14 Major League seasons, McCann was with the Astros for two seasons and was the club's everyday catcher during their 2017 World Series run, starting 17 of the 18 Astros playoff games in 2017.
Gustave, 26, did not make a pitching appearance this season after undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery in June of 2017. He made six appearances for the Astros in 2017 and was on the club's Opening Day roster that season.
With the removals of McCann and Gustave, the Astros 40-man roster now stands at 33 players.