Springer, 24, was hitting .353 with four doubles, one triple, three home runs, nine RBIs and four stolen bases in 13 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Outfielder George Springer, the Houston Astros’ most anticipated prospects in years, was called up to the majors from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
The Astros are hoping their prized prospect will be able to infuse life into an offense that has struggled through the first two weeks of the season.
Springer, 24, was hitting .353 with four doubles, one triple, three home runs, nine RBIs and four stolen bases in 13 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City this season.
Springer has posted multi-hit games in five of his last eight games and has homered in each of his last two contests, including a grand slam Tuesday night in a RedHawks’ 11-9 win at Colorado Springs.
Springer told The Associated Press he received the news after Oklahoma City’s win.
“It’s just an indescribable feeling,” Springer told the AP. “I’m speechless right now.
“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. I’m looking forward to playing for the Astros.”
Springer was selected 11th overall by the Astros out of UConn in the 2011 amateur draft.
Ranked as the Astros’ No. 3 prospect by MLB.com, Springer had an impressive 2013 season, combining to hit .303 with 27 doubles, 37 home runs, 108 RBIs and 45 stolen bases in 135 games with Oklahoma City and Double-A Corpus Christi.
He was named the Astros Minor League Player of the Year and the Double-A Texas League Player of the Year. Springer will be in uniform for Wednesday night’s game at home against the Kansas City Royals.
The Astros also reinstated right-handed pitcher Scott Feldman from the Bereavement List and he will make his scheduled start Thursday against Kansas City. Feldman, 31, was placed on the Bereavement List on Saturday following the death of his father.
To make room for Springer and Feldman on the active roster, the Astros optioned outfielder Robbie Grossman to Oklahoma City and designated right-handed pitcher Lucas Harrell for assignment.
