Bull Rush: Astros Call up Switch-Hitting Third Baseman Abraham Toro

On the heels of injuries to infielders Carlos Correa and Aledmys Diaz, the Houston Astros made a surprise call-up of Round Rock third baseman Abraham Toro, Jake Kaplan reports.

As Toro is not only not on the 25-man roster, but also not on the 40-man roster, corresponding moves will be made to add him. (Update(s) per Jake Kaplan of the Athletic: Jack Mayfield optioned to AAA, to make room for Toro. Brady Rodgers has been designated for assignment.)

Toro, 22, is the Astros’ most notable switch-hitting prospect, and a 2016 fifth round draft pick out of Seminole State College. He began the year in AA Corpus Christi, where he slashed .306/.393/.513 with an OPS of .906 in 435 plate appearances. He was rewarded just 20 days ago on August 2nd with a promotion to AAA Round Rock, where he only got better, slashing .424/.506/.606 with an OPS of 1.112.

Earlier in the season, with the departure of Marwin Gonzalez, it appeared that 2019 might be the first season in 50 years for the Astros that would not feature a plate appearance by a switch-hitter. With the earlier than anticipated arrival of Toro, that will not be the case.

Profiled by Crawfish Boxes writer Spencer Morris each of the past two years (December 2017 and November 2018), Morris had this to say regarding Toro:

If Toro-Hernandez can tune his approach and generate a higher rate of hard contact, there is breakout potential in 2019. After the obvious names in the system, he continues to boast some of the highest upside among position players. A switch hitter and above average athlete with a plus arm, he projects to generate some positive value on both sides of the ball with continued development. If he puts it all together, he could possess average hit, power and field tools and a plus arm that could play at third base or potentially an outfield corner if the bat reaches its potential.

Welcome to the show, Abe. Welcome to the Houston Astros.

UPDATE #1:

Toro will start tonight and bat seventh.

UPDATE #2:

Jack Mayfield has been optioned to Round Rock to make room for Toro. Also Ryan Pressly is returning to the IL, and Joe Biagini has been recalled.