When the Houston Astros drafted the young first basemen in last month’s Rule 5 Draft, they did so with the hope he would fill-in the gaping need at designated hitter, or be the answer at first base.

But as usually is the case in Major League Baseball, things change. And now Freiman may have to fight his way on the Astros’ roster.

On Monday, the Astros added some punch to their lineup by signing veteran slugger Carlos Pena to a one-year contract, according to Richard Dean of Astros.com. Pena is now projected to be the Astros’ designated hitter.

Apparently, the ‘Stros aren’t done yet.

MLB Traderumors.com speculates that Lance Berkman is open to the idea of returning to his old club.  If the Astros do sign the 36-year-old Berkman, he would either platoon at first base or be the designated hitter.

Not to mention Brett Wallace is still in the  mix at first base for the Astros.

All this tells me there really isn’t any room for Freiman on the Astros’ roster. Come Spring Training, Freiman could be in the outside looking in and possibly be returned to the Padres.

Freiman had a triple slash line of .298/.370/.502 with Double-A San Antonio last year. He also posted 24 home runs with 105 RBIs.

If Freiman returnd to the Padres, it would be a long shot for him to crack the Major League roster because Yonder Alonso stands in his way.

Freiman would be a great insurance policy for the Padres if Alonso were to  go down with an injury.

Rymer Liriano: The Padres top outfield prospect actually scored the first run of the AFL season. Liriano is off to an impressive start, as he has gone 5-for-11, with a double, and 2 RBI’s. His .455 batting average is certainly impressive in the early season. Liriano could make an appearance for the Padres in the 2013 season.

March 9, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols (left) attempts to field a ground ball that goes past him as San Diego Padres right fielder Rymer Liriano (right) runs to second base during the fifth inning at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Jeudy Valdez: Valdez, like Liriano, has a place on the 40-man roster for San Diego. Valdez had a miserable season for AA San Antonio, hitting just .225. Valdez may need to impress in the AFL to show that he is worthy of that roster spot. Valdez is 1-for-5, with a double.

Nate Freiman: Freiman put up some monster numbers for San Antonio, and played for the Isreal team in the World Baseball Classic qualifying round. Freiman is off to a slow start, as he is 1-for-9 in two starts.

Matt Stites: Stites had a monster year for the Fort Wayne Tincaps, posting a 0.74 ERA(that is not a typo) in 42 games. He gave up a run in his only appearance so far for Peoria.

Kevin Quackenbush: Quackenbush has been a dominant reliever in the Padres system, and saved 27 games for the Lake Elsinore Storm in 2012. He pitched a scoreless inning, with two strikeouts for Peoria in his lone appearance.

The list of the Padres farmhands that will attend includes: SP’s Casey Kelly,and Robbie Erlin, RP’s Matt Stites and Kevin Quackenbush, INF’s Jeudy Valdez, Nathan Freiman, and Cory Spangenberg  as well as top OF prospect Rymer Liriano.

The list features some interesting names, especially with Kelly and Erlin. Kelly was brilliant in his Major League debut, but because of injuries, Kelly has thrown only 43.2 innings between his stints in the Minors and the Majors. Kelly threw 142.1 innings for San Antonio in 2011.

August 27, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Casey Kelly (49) throws during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

Erlin too, has dealt with the injury bug. Erlin came into the season as one of the system’s top prospects, but injuries have ruined his 2012 campaign. Still, he has put up impressive numbers for AA San Antonio, and could be in the mix for a rotation spot for the Padres in 2013.

Stites and Quackenbush are two relievers in the lower minors who have put up ridiculous numbers. Quackenbush has been one of the best closers in all of Minor League Baseball. In 2012, Quackenbush has 27 saves, to go with a microscopic ERA of 0.94. In fact, in two professional seasons, Quackenbush has a career ERA of 0.81 in nearly 100 career innings. Stites has spent the 2012 season with Low-A Fort Wayne Tincaps, posting 0.78 ERA in 46 innings.

Freiman and Valdez have spent the year at AA, and have had very different seasons. Freiman has had a monster year for the Missions, hitting .293, with 23 homers and 102 RBI’s. He plays first base, and is certainly hard to miss as he is 6’7. Valdez, who is currently on the Padres 40-man roster has had a miserable season. He is hitting just .223 for AA San Antonio. Perhaps a strong AFL season will improve his stock. Spangenberg has also had a bit of a disappointing campaign, as he is hitting just .272 for Lake Elsinore.

Rymer Liriano has spend 2012 with High-A Lake Elsinore and AA San Antonio. Between both levels, he has hit .281 with 8 HR’s and 61 RBI’s.

The championship game takes place on November 17th.