DALLAS — The Houston Astros added five players — four pitchers and a shortstop — in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft Wednesday at the winter meetings. Houston did not acquire any players in the major league phase of the draft or have any players taken from its system in the major or minor league portions of the Rule 5.

The Rule 5 Draft at the Winter Meetings marks the end to a busy period of the offseason, and the Houston Astros were able to come away with a haul. There is always a risk during this selection process since teams can lose some of their players who are on the verge of being Major League ready.