As if the defending champion Houston Astros needed any more help. The team announced Saturday that it has promoted top prospect, outfielder Kyle Tucker, from Triple-A Fresno while demoting Jake Marisnick to the minors.
He’s here. pic.twitter.com/K7axVr6If2
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 7, 2018
Why is this so significant? According to MLB.com, Tucker entered the season as Houston’s top overall prospect. A former first-round pick (fifth overall) of the Astros back in 2015, the 21-year-old left hander was hitting .306 with 14 homers and 66 RBI in 80 games at Triple-A prior to receiving the call.
This could have wide-ranging ramifications for the Astros moving forward. Houston sits at 59-31 on the season and in first place in the AL West.
Tucker was not called up to be a stopgap. If he performs well, he’ll be an everyday player. The youngster will start in the outfield and bat seven on Saturday.