Guzman has elected free agency.

Relegated to a bench role upon Jonathan Singleton's promotion in early June, Guzman went just 11-for-67 (.164 average) over the final four months of the season. He was outrighted off the 40-man roster earlier in the week, but Guzman has refused his assignment and will instead look to latch on elsewhere as a reserve.

Guzman was outrighted off the Astros' 40-man roster Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Guzman played regularly at first base in April and May, but took a back seat once Jonathan Singelton was promoted, logging just 67 at-bats over the final four months of the season. He finished with just a .188/.272/.248 batting line, and is clearly not a factor in the team's long-term plans.

Guzman (back) was activated from the disabled list Tuesday.

Guzman served the minimum amount of time required as a result of a bout with back spasms. Despite crushing at the plate during his rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City -- he tallied eight hits (three doubles), five RBI, three runs, and three walks versus two strikeouts in 13 at-bats -- he'll act as depth at first base, DH, and left field.

Guzman (back) is slated to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Guzman first came down with back spasms on Aug. 1, spurring a prompt placement on the disabled list. When he's healthy enough to return, though, he'll play second fiddle to Jonathan Singleton at first base, with the ability to take on left field as well.

Guzman (back) was placed on the disabled list Saturday, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Guzman exited Friday's with back spasms, and it appears he will hit the disabled list because of it. Jon Singleton was the main first baseman for the Astros anyway, but now he will be even more so. The team recalled Domingo Santana to replace Guzman on the roster.

Guzman (back) is out of the Astros' lineup Saturday against the Blue Jays.

A bout of back spasms forced Guzman from Friday's game, and he'll sit Saturday with Jonathan Singleton returning to first base. Guzman is a bench player, but he should be considered day-to-day until he returns to the field.

Guzman exited Friday's game with back spasms.

Guzman doesn't really have a history of back problems, but apparently pulled up on his RBI single in the fourth innings. He was replaced in the lineup by Jon Singleton who will bat fifth for the Astros.

Jesus Guzman's nightmarish 2014 season continued in Friday's loss to the Marlins, going 0-for-3 with a strikeout.

The main reason that Guzman has a job on the Astros bench is his ability to mash left-handed pitching, so when he fails to do that it gives cause for concern. He's hitting a mere .197/.274/.268 with two homers and seven RBI in 142 at-bats on the year.

Jesus Guzman was back in the Astros' lineup on Tuesday.

Guzman had to be scratched from Sunday's contest with back discomfort. "My back is much better today, and from yesterday to today I feel way better than last week," he said Tuesday.

Jesus Guzman was scratched from Sunday's lineup due to back discomfort.

Consider him day-to-day for the time being. Jon Singleton took Guzman's spot at first base.

Jesus Guzman got a rare start against a right-hander on Wednesday and went 3-for-4 in the shutout loss to the Nationals.

The Astros acquired Guzman to smack lefties around, but he's currently 7-for-18 against righties, compared to 6-for-38 versus southpaws. The trend doesn't figure to hold up, but with Marc Krauss proving to be a non-factor, the Astros may give Guzman more time against righties until Jon Singleton comes up.

Astros manager Bo Porter announced his starting lineup for Tuesday's season opener against the Yankees, and Jesus Guzman is getting the call at first base.

It's likely to be a regular arrangement when the team is facing a left-handed starter. The rest of the Astros lineup shakes out like this: Dexter Fowler CF, Robbie Grossman LF, Jose Altuve 2B, Jason Castro C, Jesus Guzman 1B, Chris Carter DH, Matt Dominguez 3B, L.J. Hoes RF, Jonathan Villar SS.

Jesus Guzman went 0-for-2 on Monday and is 3-for-23 so far this spring.

The Astros probably won't be cutting Guzman after acquiring him from the Padres in December, but he's not off to the kind of start that would lead to much playing time against righties to begin the season.

Astros avoided arbitration with OF/1B Jesus Guzman by agreeing to a one-year contract.

The financials aren't available, but Guzman will reportedly get close to the $1.3 million MLBTradeRumors.com had projected for him. He batted .226/.297/.378 last season for the Padres and could see plenty of playing time for the Astros in 2014 after coming over via trade.

Astros acquired OF Jesus Guzman from the Padres for INF Ryan Jackson.

The 29-year-old Guzman has split time between first base and corner outfield in recent years, owning a career .259/.324/.418 line over four seasons with the Padres. Jackson changes teams after being claimed off waivers from the Cardinals by the Astros earlier this offseason. The infielder slashed .278/.352/.346 with Triple-A Memphis this past season. Both players are likely destined for reserve roles with their new clubs.

Jesus Guzman had a solo homer and a two-run double versus the Brewers on Monday.

Guzman should be available in trade talks, and he's warming up at the plate now, with a .300 average and three homers in 50 at-bats this month. He can help a contender as a starter against left-handers and pinch-hitter the rest of the time.

Jesus Guzman went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBI in the Padres' loss to the Nationals on Saturday.

Gumzan's three-run shot in the top of the sixth inning gave San Diego a 4-3 lead, but Padres reliever Nick Vincent blew that away in the seventh. Guzman is now batting .252/.315/.424 with five home runs and 18 RBI in 67 games this season. He's not really a fantasy guy.

Jesus Guzman slugged a pinch-hit grand slam off Jeremy Hellickson in the sixth inning on Saturday.

Guzman's blast pulled the Friars even with the Rays at 6-6, though they would end up blowing the game in the ninth inning. Guzman still has a disappointing .236/.300/.345 batting line with one homer and six RBI on the season. He remains a non-factor in fantasy leagues.

Jesus Guzman is in the Padres' starting lineup on Friday and will be making his first career start at third base.

With Cody Ransom designated for assignment, it appears that manager Bud Black will give Guzman an opportunity to serve in a platoon role at third base until Chase Headley returns. Guzman played 46 games at third base at the Triple-A level in 2011.

Jesus Guzman went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Saturday's loss to the Mariners.

Guzman is expected to open the 2013 season as a backup to Yonder Alonso at first base and as insurance at both corner outfield spots. The 28-year-old hit .247/.319/.418 with nine homers and 48 RBI in 120 games last summer.