Climbing Tal's Hill
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Astros Triple-A Notes: Urquidy impresses, Tucker earns accolades

By Andrew Gleinser

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 07: Kyle Tucker #3 of the Houston Astros takes batting practice before playing the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park on July 7, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Tucker was called up from Triple-A Fresno and his making his major league debut. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JULY 07: Kyle Tucker #3 of the Houston Astros takes batting practice before playing the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park on July 7, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Tucker was called up from Triple-A Fresno and his making his major league debut. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Astros righthanded pitcher Jose Urquidy has pitched well and is set to make his major league debut.

Ranked as just the Astros’ 29th-best prospect, Jose Urquidy has pitched much better than that ranking would indicate. Now he’s set to make his major league debut, starting for the Astros on Tuesday.

Urquidy’s most recent outing consisted of six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts on Wednesday. That start dropped his ERA at Round Rock to 2.89 over 43.2 innings. In that span, he’s struck out 64 batters and walked just 10.

The 24-year-old throws a low-90s fastball with a good changeup, along with a developing curveball. He’s known for throwing a lot of strikes, though the scouting report notes he will have to show he can miss more advanced bats in order to be anything more than a swing man. He certainly hasn’t had trouble missing bats in the minors this season.

Tucker Earns All-Star, Home Run Derby Nods

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The Astros’ top position player prospect continues to rack up the accolades. Outfielder Kyle Tucker was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star team, joining teammate Cy Sneed. Tucker was also selected as one of eight participants in the Triple-A home run derby taking place on July 8.

Tucker is in a bit of a slump lately, hitting just .212 with 14 strikeouts in his last 10 games. But overall he’s still having a solid season, with 24 homers and 60 RBIs in 76 games with a .606 slugging percentage.

Perez Looks Sharp

Since being sent back to Round Rock, Cionel Perez has put up two consecutive quality outings. He tossed four scoreless innings of relief on June 23, and followed that up with a strong start on Friday. Perez went 5.2 innings, allowing just one run on three hits.

He’s dropped his season ERA at Triple-A by more than a run thanks to those two outings. If he’s able to pitch this well consistently, he could prove to be an asset to the big league club later this season.

Odds and Ends

Brady Rodgers returned from the IL to throw two innings of relief on Thursday. The righthander allowed one run on one hit in the outing. The Richmond, TX native will attempt to make his way back to the Astros, with whom he struggled to a 16.20 ERA in three outings this season.

Reliever Felipe Paulino has been roughed up a bit since the Astros signed him. He’s given up three earned runs in 4.1 innings so far, including two homers. But he’s also struck out six and walked none, showing some promise out of the 35-year-old arm.

Next. Astros: Urquidy may get shot at majors. dark

Outfielder Drew Ferguson continues to be the team’s hottest hitter. He’s hit .333 in his last 10 games with seven walks in that span as well. He’s up to a .312/.415/.509 batting line on the season.

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