The 32-year-old Gamel hit .167 in 24 at-bats in spring training. He hit .259 with one homer in 20 games with the Astros last season.

The Houston Astros released outfielder Ben Gamel on Saturday as the team pares its spring training roster. Gamel signed a major-league deal Feb. 5 that included a $200,000 signing bonus and a $1 million non-guaranteed salary that would have become guaranteed if he made the opening day roster.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Houston Astros released outfielder Ben Gamel and left-hander Jalen Beeks on Saturday. The move with Gamel comes less than two months after he agreed to a $1.2 million, one-year contract. The deal included a $200,000 signing bonus and a $1 million salary, which was not guaranteed.