The Astros protected two players from the prospect of minor league free agency Thursday, adding Wladimir Sutil and Fernando Abad to their 40-man roster.

Sutil, who turned 25 on Oct. 31, hit .273 with a .348 on-base percentage and a .324 slugging percentage as the starting shortstop at Class AA Corpus Christi.

Abad, a 23-year-old left-handed pitcher, spent much of the season at high Class A Lancaster, compiling a 4.14 ERA while playing his home games in arguably the most difficult ballpark for pitchers in all of minor league baseball.

He struck out 79 and walked eight in 82 2/3 innings as a Lancaster reliever before making three starts for Corpus Christi.

The Astros had until Nov. 9 to add the players to the 40-man roster to avoid losing them to free agency. The 40-man roster is now full, but spots will likely open as players file for free agency.

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