Major League Baseball

Astros release infielder Brett Wallace

Published Mar. 12, 2014 1:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Infielder Brett Wallace was given his unconditional release by the Houston Astros on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old played with the Astros for four years, mostly at first base and also at third base. He played in 79 games last season, batting .221 with 13 home runs. In eight games this spring training, Wallace hit .143 (2 for 14) with eight strikeouts.

He was dropped from the 40-man roster last month to clear a spot for pitcher Jerome Williams and had been at spring training as a non-roster invitee. Chris Carter and rookie Jon Singleton remain in the competition for time at first base.

Catcher Jason Castro is the only player on the current roster with the Astros continuously longer than Wallace.