Robbie Grossman recalled, L.J. Hoes sent to AAA

The Astros have recalled Robbie Grossman from Oklahoma City and optioned outfielder L.J. Hoes to the AAA club. Grossman, who started the season as the Astros #2 hitter, will be in uniform tomorrow when the Astros arrive in Kansas City for a 3-game series with the Royals.

After a slow start to the season, Grossman was sent to AAA to work on his game and regain some confidence. The switch-hitting outfielder put together a .299/.373/.453 slash line in 34 games with the RedHawks, earning a return trip to the show and a spot in Bo Porter‘s everyday lineup.

"“I think sometimes it’s just a combination of things,” Porter said of Grossman’s early struggles. “One, you’re eager to get off to a good start. Things start to domino a little bit. Then, defensively, there were a few plays that I think wore on him as far as plays that he didn’t make. … 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.”  h/t Evan Drellich"

Grossman had a similar experience in his rookie season of 2013. Last year, his second stint in the majors proved to be quite productive. The Astros are hoping that Robbie can provide a spark that the lower third of the batting order has been missing. Grossman’s promotion means that Alex Presley will now be relegated to more of a pinch-hitting role.