The Astros are calling up third base prospect Abraham Toro, according to reporter Jacques Lanciault (Twitter link). As noted by The Athletic’s Jake Kaplan (Twitter link), it isn’t yet known what corresponding moves will be made to create room for Toro on either the 25-man or 40-man rosters.
As Kaplan observes, the promotion is rather unexpected, as Toro has only 16 Triple-A games under his belt. However, Toro has absolutely raked in that short amount of time (a 1.112 OPS over 79 plate appearances), and also hit .306/.393/.513 with 16 home runs over 435 Double-A plate appearances this season.
While this breakout at the plate didn’t land Toro a spot on any top-100 prospect lists, MLB Pipeline currently ranks him as the sixth-best prospect in Houston’s farm system. As per the MLB.com scouting report, many scouts have long considered Toro to be one of the Astros’ best hitting prospects, an evaluation that has seemingly been proven correct by his big 2019 numbers and a strong performance in the 2018 Arizona Fall League.
The 22-year-old Toro was a fifth-round pick for the Astros in the 2016 draft. The vast majority of his pro experience has come at third base, though with Alex Bregman at the hot corner in Houston, Toro has also played an increasing amount of first base and second base this season. For his first taste of the big leagues, however, Toro could very well see most of his time at his natural position, as Bregman could slide over to shortstop while Carlos Correa is on the injured list. Alternatively, Toro could also handle some first base if the Astros use Yuli Gurriel at third base.
you mean, fatty tuna? kidding!
Adios Super Jack, it’s a been inspiring watching you come up from Del Rio undrafted and play in the Major Leagues. I hope you clear waivers and accept an assignment to Round Rock.
It’s unlikely that another team grabs a zero offense glove, and also unlikely that he elects free agency.
It is unlikely the Astros DFA Mayfield. Deetz or Rodgers.
The Astros used their first option on Mayfield earlier this year. Each player has three options. When one is used, the team is allowed to call them up and send them down as much as they want for the current season. So they can send him down to AAA, and they can do so again next year, and the year after, if they desire.
They still need a spot on the 40-man roster for Toro, even if they option Mayfield down. So they will likely DFA him, since they value pitching depth so much. Doubtful they will take a pitchers spot in favor of a position player.
Update: they did
Indeed. Goes against their prior history of roster moves. They’ve always kept more pitching depth than position players.
Yup, a surprise. But Rodgers turns 29 in 3 weeks and has never pitched well in the bigs. I like the move, he was wasting a roster spot.
Then again so is Mayfield. He’s hitting about a buck forty so far in his big league career, short though it may be.
I’m guessing Mayfield goes down.
The 40-man is top heavy with pitchers. One of them might go to clear room on that roster. Mayfield came up to replace Diaz; Straw to replace Correa. Hopefully no one else is going on IL.
Pressley is going to the IL
sianara, Jack Mayfield
Rodgers or Deetz probably DFA’d. Mayfield can be optioned… excited to see Toro in the majors. He’s a nerd cave darling imo. Bregman to SS, Toro to 3b and Yuli at 1b. Hopefully Correa isn’t transferred to the 60 day IL with that back issue to make room.
Mayfield wolnt get claimed though.
Toro the real deal? Or another inflated PCL AAA star guy
Scary pic
Those eyes……shudder…
Scared bull (toro in Spanish) eyes