The Upper Deck

Welcome to The Upper Deck, Baseball America’s daily look at the biggest stories around the game and some lighter fare. If you have videos, GIFs, photos or stories you want us to know about and feature in this space, send to Vince Lara on Twitter at @vincelara.

OK José

Astros second baseman José Altuve mashed a two-run homer in the ninth to help propel a five-run rally in Houston’s 6-1 win against the Royals on Thursday night. Astros starter Lance McCullers took a no-hit bid into the 7th inning.

Jose went a long way. #Crushed pic.twitter.com/jsF5frRlqy

— MLB (@MLB) June 9, 2017

The Naturals?

A pair of plays during Thursday’s game were reminiscent of the great Robert Redford movie. First, there was Bryce Harper hitting the cover of the ball. While Harper’s hit did not go very far, it was an impressive feat nonetheless.

#HairFlip. Ball rip. pic.twitter.com/D24c8TNWQF

— MLB (@MLB) June 9, 2017

Then there was Triple-A Iowa third baseman Chris Dominguez doing another Roy Hobbs impression. Dominguez smashed a ball so hard off the scoreboard in left field that one of the panels went out. Wasn’t a foul ball, but maybe a fowl ball?

A rocket off the bat of Chris Dominguez in the 2nd knocks out a portion of the left field video board. pic.twitter.com/qNdbNvvS6t

— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 9, 2017

Air Buxton
In 2015, Baseball America rated Byron Buxton an 80 in speed on the 20-80 scout scale and an 80 in defense, the top marks in both categories. He’s done nothing to show that was off. Buxton used those tools Thursday night to rob Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano of a hit. Cano’s reaction says it all.

.@OfficialBuck103 just being unfair. pic.twitter.com/A85KEjGI9I

— MLB (@MLB) June 9, 2017

Major Little League Baseball

Willy Garcia had a double, but after a throwing error by the Rays he tried to get to third base. When Tampa shortstop Tim Beckham tossed the ball into left field, Garcia figured he’d try for the Little League home run and touch all the bases in one play. Unfortunately for him, Rays left fielder Peter Bourjus was backing up the play unlike most Little League left fielders, who are usually picking daisies.

At the end of the day, he’s still out. pic.twitter.com/Q9Thm67dTE

— MLB (@MLB) June 9, 2017

Cowabunga, Dude
The Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pirates, showed off their uniforms for Saturday and Sunday’s Nickelodeon Weekend promotion. Hashtag Turtle Power!

Your Tribe return home this Saturday & Sunday for Nickelodeon Weekend w/ @TMNT – First 2,500 get this backpack! #RollTribe pic.twitter.com/JsRDKUdmpd

— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) June 8, 2017

Happenings at Baseball America

The NCAA super regionals get going Friday. Baseball America has you covered with previews of all the matchups. Also on the college side, Baseball America announced its All-America teams on Thursday. Prepare for the MLB Draft with Baseball America’s state reports.