George Springer Called Up To The Majors (UPDATED): Houston Astros To Start Young Outfielder in RF, Bat 2nd
ByUpdate, 4/16 4:50 p.m.
The Houston Astros posted the starting lineup for their Wednesday night game against the Kansas City Royals on Twitter. Batting second and playing right field, is George Springer.
Springer's offensive onslaught in the minor leagues, combined with the Astros devastating lack thereof, has earned the young outfielder a call up to the show.
The Houston Astros announced the roster move Wednesday on their website and general manager Jeff Luhnow said it was the Tuesday night loss at home that pushed him over the edge.
"We feel pretty good with the reps he's got in Spring Training and the reps he's gotten so far during the season that defensively he's ready to go," he said in the news release. "Offensively, he's been heating up the last week or so and we want to get a guy when he's hot."
When combining his numbers in double-A and triple-A ball last year, Springer hit 37 home runs, drove in 108 runs and stole 45 bases. In 13 games this year, Springer was hitting .308 with three homers and eight RBIs.
"It's just an indescribable feeling," Springer told the Associated Press. "I'm speechless right now."
He is expected in Houston Wednesday and the Astros plan to start him in right field for their game against the Kansas City Royals. Springer, a 24-year-old native to New Britain, Conn., was drafted with the 11th overall selection in the 2011 MLB amateur draft out of the University of Connecticut.
The Astros are projected to once again lose at least 100 games, but several losing seasons has allowed the team to stock up on talented young players. Right now, however, their team is batting a dismal .188 as a unit while scoring an average of 2.9 runs per game.
"We've got guys here that are really struggling offensively and we're hoping he adds that spark to our offense and gets everybody going," Luhnow said. "What better way to get them going than to bring up the rookie that potentially could be a game-changer."
Springer was in Colorado Springs, Colo. when he got the call up and planned to head to Houston as soon as he could. Expect to see him in the lineup and his family in the stands.
"I'm really excited that my hard work has paid off and I'm finally getting to fulfill my dream of playing in the big leagues," said Springer. "I'm looking forward to playing for the Astros."