Houston Astros Minor League Promotion Predictions

Mar 28, 2013; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Jonathan Singleton (14) celebrates after hitting his second home run of the game during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Astros Minor League Promotion Predictions

The minor league season is about a quarter of the way through and there are guys that are having some great seasons. It doesn’t seem like the Houston Astros are too aggressive with their players like some other clubs. I am ready to see some of these guys get tested and promoted to the next level. Here are some promotions that I would like to see happen, though these may not all make sense due to roster implications.

Promoted to Houston Astros from OKC: 

• Jon Singleton, 1B – He has hit for power, hit for average and drawn nice amount of walks. He also has shown the ability to cut down on the strikeouts this season. I think he is ready for showtime. Singleton has 11 HR and 33 RBI in 36 games this season.

• Austin Wates, OF – A versatile outfielder who can play all three positions. Also has a good eye at the plate and can steal some bases. He is hitting .349 in 16 games with 8 stolen bases.

• Nick Tropeano, RHP – Nitro has been a fan favorite for a few years. He has a 2.94 ERA with good walk and strikeout rates so far at AAA.

Promoted to Oklahoma City from CC: 

• Andrew Aplin, OF – Aplin has great plate discipline and has more walks than strikeouts in his minor league career. He has 28 BB/19 SO this season. Hasn’t hit for much power but is driving in runs.

• Preston Tucker, OF – Tucker now has played 96 games in AA and has hit 16 HR and 50 RBI. With this he has still maintained a low strikeout rate too.

• Nolan Fontana, 2B/SS – He has gotten hot recently and is a polished college bat. At 23 years old he might be ready for AAA. He has 12 double and 17 walks in 31 games.

• Thomas Shirley, LHP – Not sure what else he needs to prove in AA. He has a 1.67 ERA in 37.2 IP with 10 BB to 40 SO. He also has a WHIP of 0.92 and is only giving up 6 hits per 9 innings.

Promoted to Corpus Christi from Lancaster: 

• Carlos Correa, SS – The top pick from 2012 has been hitting very well in Lancaster. He has 29 RBI in 30 games with a .323 batting average. Most people expect him to move fast.

• Tony Kemp, 2B – This guy has nothing left to prove. He is hitting .372 with 22 BB/16 SO, 12 SB and 44 R in only 37 games. He is also 3rd in the Cal League in total bases with 77.

• Vincent Velasquez, RHP – Velasquez has been dominant this season with a 2.89 ERA in 28 IP with 33 SO and only 9 walks. He has only given up 5.5 hits per nine innings.

• Josh Hader, LHP – Hader has also been dominant in the Cal League this season with a 3.03 ERA in 32.2 IP with 39 SO on 11 walks.

Promoted to Lancaster from QC: 

• Brett Phillips, OF – Phillips has been a pleasant surprise this season. Still only 20 years old, Phillips  has hit .308 while showing good patience at the plate too.

• Chan Moon, SS – Moon is slightly older than the average in his league right now. He 17 BB/20 SO in 31 games with 10 stolen bases. He also leads the Midwest League in triples.

• Andrew Thurman, RHP – He hasn’t pitched to expectations yet but I think he needs to be tested given his draft area and repertoire. Does have 33 SO/12 BB in 29 IP.

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