Matt Dominguez Called Up To Big Leagues

In a move announced late last night, the Astros have called up 3B Matt Dominguez from AAA Oklahoma City. Dominguez, as most of you remember, was acquired with SP Rob Rasmussen in the July 4th trade that sent Carlos Lee to the Miami Marlins. He had been hitting .298 with two homers and 23 RBIs since joining the Oklahoma City RedHawks. He will be in the lineup tonight, starting at 3B, as the Astros wrap up the series with the San Francisco Giants. Starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel was optioned to AAA to make room on the roster.

Those that know me, know that I value defense in baseball, football and basketball. I have long been a fan of Matt Dominguez for his defensive prowess. I am confident in his defensive game and believe he has what it takes to put it together at the plate as well.

Regarded as the top fielding third baseman in all of minor league baseball, Dominguez  was once regarded as one of the top prospects in the game, but his bat just hasn’t come around. Last year, he was ranked as the 81st prospect in baseball by Baseball America. Still just 22 years old, Dominguez has plenty of time left to grow. He was drafted in the first round of the 2007 MLB Draft straight out of high school. For a team like the Astros, thin on 3B prospects close to the majors, Dominguez should be given every opportunity to play and improve his game. Since joining the Astros organization, his bat seems to have come alive. Let’s hope that translates to the majors as well.