Astros make RHP Cruz top pick in Rule 5 draft

The Houston Astros have made pitcher Rhiner Cruz the top pick in baseball's Rule 5 draft.

The draft of players left off the 40-man rosters of major league teams was held Thursday at the winter meetings.

The right-handed Cruz was a combined 5-3 with seven saves in Class A and Double-A for the New York Mets. A total of 12 players were picked in the major league portion of the draft, with teams paying $50,000 to claim them. A drafted player must stay on his new team's 25-man roster or be offered back to his original club for $25,000.

The New York Yankees drafted right-hander Brad Meyers from the Washington system. They also acquired lefty Cesar Cabral from Kansas City for cash after the Royals drafted him from Boston.

The Yankees released outfielder Greg Golson to make room.