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Astros: Randy Cesar named organization’s May MiLB Player of the Month

By Cody Poage

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Randy Cesar #99 of the Houston Astros poses for a portrait at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 21, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Randy Cesar #99 of the Houston Astros poses for a portrait at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 21, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Astros have named their May MiLB Player of the Month.

While Forrest Whitley‘s return to action generated the most buzz on Friday night in Corpus Christi, there is another Hooks’ player making his own buzz: infielder Randy Cesar.

In fact, the Astros have tabbed Cesar as the organization’s MiLB Player of the Month for May.

If you have not been aware of Cesar’s career, let me catch you up to speed. The age-23 first/third baseman from the Dominican Republic has been in the Astros’ system since the 2012 season when he was 17-years old. Over the years, he has slowly climbed the organization’s ranks and was invited to the Astros’ most recent spring training. Below is a short video from February 2018 about Cesar courtesy of KHOU 11 in Houston.

Following his stint in spring training, Cesar was assigned to the Hooks to begin the 2018 season. And he has made a wonderful impression.

2018 Statistics

  • 224 plate appearances
  • .352/.384/.531
  • 8 home runs
  • 37 RBIs
  • 12 doubles
  • .914 OPS
  • 11 walks
  • 55 strikeouts

Cesar has also made headlines as he is currently riding a hitting streak of 30 consecutive games. This is also a Hooks’ franchise record. While he isn’t listed as one of the team’s top 30 prospects per MLB.com, Cesar has consistently been on the Hooks’ top performers in the Texas League.

Concerning the immediate future, Cesar will likely spend the entirety of the 2018 season with Corpus Christi. From there, he could be a potential cog for Houston’s Triple-A affiliate as early as next season if his current performance with the Hooks continues. If Cesar is to advance further in the Astros’ system though, he will need to hit with power consistently. And while the strikeout rate isn’t quite as worrisome, the lack of walks is something to watch.

Next: Astros: Could Charlie Morton be retiring after the season?

Cesar may not be a household name to many Astros’ fans, but the hit streak and current performance may change that situation soon.

**Statistics and information courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs**