Astros Minor League Spotlight: Fresno Grizzlies Hitters Doing Work

Sep 14, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Teoscar Hernandez (35) hits a two run home run during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Teoscar Hernandez (35) hits a two run home run during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Athletic outfield prospects Teoscar Hernandez and Derek Fisher look to be the offensive cornerstones in Fresno.

Hernandez got some time in Houston in 2016 and went into spring training looking to possibly make the roster as a 4th outfielder. He was quickly overshadowed by excellent performances from fellow outfielders Jake Marisnick, who made the team, and Derek Fisher. The Astros have a plethora of talent in the outfield throughout their minor league system, and Hernandez needs a strong 2017 in order to stand out .

Derek Fisher played his name into the outfield discussion in Houston with a great performance in spring training. His intriguing blend of speed, contact, and power make him an exciting prospect. So far, he has stayed hot in Fresno. After homering in the first game of the season, Fisher continued to be the fire starter for the Grizzlies offense. He homered again in the second game of the year, and through 6 games, has accounted for 8 runs with 5 runs scored and 3 RBI’s.

Hernandez and Fisher are apart of a talented Fresno Grizzlies roster. The outfield in Fresno may be the best in all of minor league baseball. Preston Tucker, Derek Fisher, and Teoscar Hernandez are the regulars, with Jon Kemmer, Andrew Aplin, and Tony Kemp seeing some time as well. Through 6 games, the Grizzlies are 3-3, and Hernandez has been productive hitting in the middle of the line-up. He is hitting .313 and has slugged two home runs already. He has five Runs Batted in to go with these stats, and has continued his solid defense.

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Hernandez hit a three run bomb to left in their first game of the season, and stood out in the game despite the loss. Hernandez next big game came 4 days later when he accounted for the only 2 runs the Grizzlies scored in a 5-2 loss.

Both Hernandez and Fisher look to have solid Major League potential. They have added value to the Astros because the outfield in Houston, outside of George Springer, is an older group. Looking to the future, Fisher and Hernandez could play a big role for the Astros. The two could also be used in a trade to bring in the additions that the major league club needs to bring a champonship to Houston.

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Hernandez and Fisher look to make an exciting duo in the outfield, and the pair have carried the team through their first few games. The Astros could use them both at some point throughout the season. Look for the pair to excite in Fresno.

***Statistics courtesy of MiLB.com***

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