Astros Call Up Brandon Barnes from AAA

It was tweeted earlier from the Corpus Christi Hooks twitter account and later confirmed by the Astros. Brandon Barnes has been called up from AAA to the big leagues. A corresponding roster move has not yet been announced but is expected before tonight’s game.

Barnes was a sixth round pick in the 2005 MLB Draft, having spent all eight season in the Astros minor league system. Having split time at AA and AAA this year, Barnes was hitting .321 with 12 home runs, 69 RBI and 21 SB. It has been a slow, yet steady progression for Barnes as he now joins Brian Bogusevic and former Astro, Tommy Manzella as the only Astros draft picks from 2005 to reach the majors. Barnes is naturally a centerfielder so there is talk that Jordan Schafer may be sent down to AAA or traded to make room for Barnes.

More on this as it becomes available as it pertains to the corresponding roster move.

UPDATE: Jordan Schafer was placed on the disabled list with a shoulder injury. Barnes is batting seventh and playing CF tonight. Juan Abreu was also designated for assignment to make room on the 40 man roster for Barnes. Abreu, as most of you will remember, was acquired along with Schafer, Paul Clemens and Brett Oberholtzer from Atlanta last year in the Michael Bourn trade. That trade keeps getting worse and worse for the Astros.