Here's why Astros rookie phenom's arrival just became imminent
COMING SOON
23 May 2023
Astros prospect Drew Gilbert is performing well for the Corpus Christi Hooks and Astros GM Dana Brown believes that if Gilbert continues to improve, he has an opportunity to be in the big leagues soon.
“When you take a college player from the SEC, that’s where most of the Major League players come from in the college ranks,” said Brown. “If he’s on top of his game, he’s got a chance to be in the big leagues quick.”
That doesn't necessarily mean he's ready to play for the Astros, but reaching Triple-A this season doesn't feel like a stretch.
But what about the big league roster? Is there any chance Gilbert could be a September callup for the club?
ESPN Houston's Joel Blank doesn't think it's out of the question, especially with Michael Brantley's recent setback and the team's reluctance to pick one center fielder to start every day.
Plus, the guys discuss how an injury or a trade for starting pitching could create a path for Gilbert to play with the big league club sooner rather than later.
Watch the video above to see the full conversation!
Listen to The Killer B's with Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham weekdays from Noon-3 PM on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.
How latest Yordan Alvarez news provides clarity on multiple levels for Astros
May 7, 2025, 12:25 pm
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
