Astros release former top prospect Brett Wallace

Brett Wallace's future with the Houston Astros was looking dimmer in early February, when he passed through waivers and was outrighted to the minors.

The first baseman still participated in major league Spring Training as a non-roster invitee, but apparently Houston has seen enough and released the former first-round pick on Wednesday morning.

"He's been a big part of this organization for past few years, but we didn't see a role for him at the big league level," general manager Jeff Luhnow said, via the Houston Chronicle.

Wallace has a lifetime .242/.313/.391 line in the majors from 2010-13. He struck out 104 times in 285 plate appearances last season.

The Astros have enough depth at first - Jesus Guzman, Jon Singleton, Chris Carter and Marc Krauss - who are all already on the 40-man roster.