Astros: Pedro Leon set to return, Korey Lee promoted to Triple-A

The Astros’ top two prospects are both set to join the Skeeters on Monday.

On Sunday, Apollo Media reported that Pedro Leon (finger) would be returning to the Sugar Land Skeeters from his rehab assignment, which has held him out of baseball for over a month. Leon could see sometime in the outfield and possibly innings at third base, since shortstops returning from an extended stay on the injury list need time to adjust.

With the Double-A regular season coming to end on Sunday, the Houston Astros‘ No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline, Korey Lee, will be promoted to Triple-A. The catcher recently returned from the injured list, where he sat for close to a month due to an oblique injury.

As Lee joins the Skeeters, the catching room will expand to four options. Garrett Stubbs, who was recently optioned, Michael Papierski and Drew Butera are at disposal, while Colton Shaver remains on the development list. Shaver has struggled this season, as his stint on the development list could be a last resort.

It will be interesting to see how the catching situation shakes out, as Butera was signed for depth with Jason Castro hurt and a possible Papierski promotion on the Astros’ minds. Now, Butera would be an easy release, as many long-tenured depth pieces are near the end of the season, or the Skeeters roll with four for the remainder of the year. Other Double-A players could see promotions as well this week.

With the Triple-A Final Stretch beginning on Thursday, the Skeeters will mirror the MLB for remainder of their season into October. They will compete in two more series for a prize award going to the best team by record at the conclusion of the season. The Skeeters became Triple-A West East Champions this past week, while there won’t be a minor-league postseason in 2021.