AL West Notebook: Hamilton awaits suspension; Astros aiming for postseason

Every Friday, theScore's MLB editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the AL West Notebook.

Houston Astros

Back in the draft. 2014 first-overall pick Brady Aiken is reportedly going back to school to reclaim his eligibility for this season's draft. The Astros failed to reach a deal with Aiken last summer and will receive the second pick in this year's draft as compensation.

Postseason aspirations. After six straight losing seasons, Astros owner Jim Crane is aiming for the postseason. Crane believes the team is built to win now and the goal is to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

Los Angeles Angels

Concern over Hamilton. Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is facing a 25-game suspension following a reported relapse involving cocaine and alcohol. Hamilton's spring was already off to a disappointing start after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder.

Extension conversations. The Angels and closer Huston Street are reportedly expected to engage in extension talks next week. The 31-year-old's current contract runs through the end of this season.

Richards hopeful for opener. Right-hander Garrett Richards remains optimistic he'll be ready for Opening Day. The 26-year old has completed three bullpen sessions this spring while recovering from knee surgery.

Oakland Athletics

Calling it a career. After 12 major league seasons, infielder Mark Ellis announced his retirement. The 37-year-old broke into the league with the A's in 2002 and went on to play 1,056 games across nine seasons in Oakland.

Who's who. After making nine trades involving 27 players this winter, there's no shortage of new faces at A's camp. The infield alone features new faces in Billy Butler, Ike Davis, Ben Zobrist, Brett Lawrie and Marcus Semien.

Injured arm. Left-hander Sean Nolin, acquired from the Blue Jays this offseason, has been shut down for an unspecified amount of time after complaining of soreness.

Seattle Mariners

On paper. Robinson Cano believes the team assembled in Seattle is capable of winning a World Series, but understands the team needs to execute between the lines.

Minor injury. James Paxton is expected to miss one week of camp while dealing with a wrist injury. The left-hander injured both wrists after falling during agility drills earlier in the week.

Power outage. After leading the league in home runs last season, Nelson Cruz isn't concerned about how his power will play following the move to pitcher-friendly Safeco Field.

Texas Rangers

Back on the mound. Ace Yu Darvish faced live hitters Wednesday for the first time since August. The right-hander missed the final seven weeks of last season due to right elbow inflammation.

Another setback. Infielder Jurickson Profar will likely miss a second straight season after undergoing shoulder surgery. The 22-year-old suffered three separate shoulder injuries last season but opted to eschew surgery.

Why not us? A year removed from an injury-riddled 95-loss season, new Rangers skipper Jeff Banister believes there's no reason why the team can't reach the postseason in 2015.