The future is now for the Houston Astros. MLB.com reports that 2011 1st Round Draft choice George Springer will be officially called up from AAA Oklahoma City on Wednesday.  The 6' 3" outfielder is a natural center fielder but has been playing right field in the minors because of the Astros having Dexter Fowler starting in center.  Springer will replace outfielder Robbie Grossman on the Astros 25-man Roster. Grossman will be optioned to AAA.

Through 13 games with the RedHawks, Springer is hitting .353 with a .459 OBP and an 1.106 OPS. He's also smacked three homers and driven in 9 RBI.

Because the Astros waited a few weeks to call-up Springer, he won't be eligible for free agency until 2020. However, he may qualify as a Super-2 player under MLB's arbitration rules next year.

Springer will be expected to bring some strong hitting to the Astros anemic lineup. Coming into yesterday's game against the Royals, the Astros only had two starters hitting above .200: Jose Altuve and Fowler.

 

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