Fresno Grizzlies: Top prospect A.J. Reed called up by Houston Astros
First baseman A.J. Reed, the top prospect on the roster of the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies and among the most promising in baseball, was called up Friday by the Houston Astros – a move first confirmed by minor league teammates and later by the major league club.
Reed, 23, has been on a tear of late, batting .372 with three homers and seven RBIs in his past 10 games.
#Astros will select 1B A.J. Reed to ML roster tomorrow. Tony Kemp optioned to Triple A. Corresponding 40-man roster move to come tomorrow.
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 25, 2016
He was 35th among all prospects in the MLB.com prospect ranking and No. 1 among first basemen.
Though inconsistent overall during his first season in Triple A, as he’s dealt with more off-speed pitches and fewer fastballs, the left-handed slugger does have 11 homers, 36 RBIs and a .509 slugging percentage while hitting .266 in 59 games.
Reed has hit .222 with three homers and a .444 slugging percentage against left-handers this season. The Astros are scheduled to face six consecutive right-handed starters.
A year ago, the 6-foot-4, 275-pound Reed destroyed Class-A and Double-A pitching, batting a combined .340 with 34 homers and 127 RBIs.
Reed was not on the 40-man roster, so the Astros will have to remove someone to clear a spot Saturday when his promotion officially takes effect.
Bryant-Jon Anteola: (559) 441-6362, @Banteola_TheBee
This story was originally published June 24, 2016 at 6:44 PM with the headline "Fresno Grizzlies: Top prospect A.J. Reed called up by Houston Astros."