Astros send young 1B Jon Singleton to minors

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) The Houston Astros have sent young first baseman Jon Singleton to the minors, a week before opening day.

Houston made the move Monday while sending down eight players.

The 24-year-old Singleton has a $2 million salary this season. He hit .151 with three home runs in 22 games this spring.

Singleton has hit 14 home runs in 114 games since making his major league debut in 2014.

The move left utilityman Marwin Gonzalez and rookie Tyler White as the only first basemen on Houston's roster. Manager A.J. Hinch told White on Monday that he had made the team.

Singleton was optioned to the minor league camp along with pitcher Michael Feliz.

Pitchers Jake Buchanan and Cesar Valdez, catcher Tyler Heineman, outfielder Eury Perez, first baseman A.J. Reed and infielder Joe Sclafani were reassigned to the minor league camp.

The Astros will open their season Monday against the New York Yankees.