Astros promote top prospect Carlos Correa, will hit 6th Monday vs. White Sox
The wait is over, Houston.
The Astros announced the promotion of top prospect Carlos Correa to the big club Sunday night.
The 20-year old shortstop, the first-overall selection in the 2012 MLB Draft, has long thought to have been big-league ready. Now he'll get his opportunity, as he joins the club Monday when they take on the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. He will hit sixth and play his natural shortstop position.
"He could not only be a good major league player, he could be a great major league player for a long time," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "We've scuffled a little bit in these last few days, and we feel like Carlos gives us a chance to win."
The club optioned pitcher Jake Buchanan as a counter move.
At Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno this season, Correa is batting .332/.404/.602 with 10 home runs, 21 doubles, 43 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases.
His offensive numbers will complement his plus glove, as he's committed only five errors in 217 chances.
Despite the fact the Astros sit atop the American League West, the club has struggled to find a permanent shortstop, as Jonathan Villar and Marwin Gonzalez have split time after Jed Lowrie underwent thumb surgery.
Between the three, the Astros have seen below average production at the position, batting a combined .256/.314/.429 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs.
Needless to say, Correa, who will be the youngest player in the majors, is expected to be an upgrade.
"We want to keep our division lead and we want to win this division," Luhnow said. "We think (Correa is) a big part of what we can do."