Astros Roster Moves: Grossman called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City; Hoes sent down

The Astros announced their Opening Day left fielder, Robbie Grossman, is getting the call up to big leagues. The corresponding move was to send L.J. Hoes to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

During his first run with the team, Robbie Grossman was batting .125 (6-48) including an 0-for-22 hitless streak. That wasn't necessarily the black mark of death for Grossman, but his quality of play in left, or lack thereof, may have been. Oddly enough, with Grossman's demotion, it appeared L.J. Hoes would be the beneficiary. With George Springer taking over in right, Hoes and Alex Presley remained to play left field. Presley was given the nod  for the most as an everyday outfielder, getting 83 at-bats compared to Hoes' 50 since Springer was called up.

Hoes has been hitting well in the month of May - .348/.407/.565  as he platoons and comes off the bench. While Presley is batting .190 (11-58) this month. In Oklahoma City, Grossman was batting .299 (41-137) with a.369 BABIP* and his strikeout rate ( 20.3%*)  returned to his career average (25.4%). That's down from his 30.9% strikeout rate in the majors this season.

Bo Porter has named Grossman his everyday starter, as reported by the Houston Chronicle's Evan Drellich -

When your confidence starts to go a little bit, we felt at the time it was the best thing to get him down to Oklahoma City, let him get his confidence. We believe that Robbie Grossman is an everyday outfielder.

My dark horse pick for the Astros this season was Robbie Grossman, I still hope it pans out.

*Stats courtesy of FanGraphs