In lieu of a massively disappointing sweep at the hands on in-state rival Texas Rangers, the Houston Astros have elected to shuffle the deck. Per Astros beat writer Brian McTaggart:
Astros shake things up, designate (Outfielder Cory) Sullivan, (catcher Kevin) Cash and (relief pitcher Casey) Daigle, recall (catcher Jason) Castro, (third baseman Chris) Johnson, and (outfielder Jason) Bourgeois.
With just one line of the transaction wire, the Astros instantaneously get younger, quicker, but also much more inexperienced.
The majority of the attention will obviously be focused on 23-year old former 10th overall draft pick Jason Castro. Castro, the former Stanford Cardinal, has long been considered by most amongst the 'Stros most promising minor league prospects. The youngster was hitting .265, with a .365 on base percentage, 4 HRs, 7 doubles, and 26 RBIs with the AAA Round Rock Express up in the Austin area.
The 25-year old Johnson was hitting the cover off the ball, batting .329 with a .932 OPS, 8 homeruns, 10 doubles, and 33 RBI. It's unlikely the Astros brought the young hitter up to sit, so expect to see Johnson taking time from Geoff Blum and Pedro Feliz almost immediately.
The speedy Bourgeois may not see as much day-to-day time as the previous two call-ups due to the log jam in the Houston outfield, but could still manage to have an immediate impact on games as a pinch runner. Bourgeois was no slouch of a hitter himself, however, getting on base at an absurd .405 clip, batting .345 with 5 HRs and 28 RBIs to go along with his calling card, 18 stolen bases.
The three are expected to be in uniform for Tuesday night's rematch of Roy Oswalt and the Giants' Tim Lincecum.
Loading comments...