Bregman Put Himself In Major League Mix

BEST PLAYER: When the Astros opted to start shortstop Alex Bregman at Double-A Corpus Christi in April, the assignment could have been viewed as somewhat aggressive. Bregman had just 37 games of experience at high Class A Lancaster at the time, and the 22-year-old struggled in his first big league spring training.

No one could have expected what came next. The No. 2 overall pick in 2015 from Louisiana State dominated the Texas League. Bregman’s incredible first half earned him a starting spot in the TL all-star game and, more importantly, thrust him into the conversation for a big league callup later this season.

Bregman, who moves to Triple-A Fresno after the all-star break, has been arguably the most productive prospect in the minors. He hit .297/.415/.559 through 62 games, with  a power surge being the biggest surprise. His 14 home runs shattered last season’s total of four and his collegiate career high of nine.

BIGGEST LEAP FORWARD: After three consecutive seasons with ERAs higher than 4.50, righthander Brady Rodgers broke out in the first half of this second season at Fresno.

The 2012 third-rounder from Arizona State recorded a 2.83 ERA and 1.03 WHIP through 13 starts, marking a drastic improvement from his 4.51 ERA over 21 starts last year in the Pacific Coast League.

Rodgers recorded a 80-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 83 innings, and the Astros have certainly taken notice.

“I think his command has been on the rise. His stuff has improved,” big league manager A.J. Hinch said. “I know he’s spinning the ball very well, and he’s getting outs at an efficient rate, which means he’s challenging the strike zone . . . He’s doing it with a ton of confidence and a ton of conviction.”

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Corpus Christi righthander Francis Martes’ first full season in the Texas League has served as a reminder of his youth. The Astros acquired the 20-year-old Dominican in July 2014 when they traded Jarred Cosart to the Marlins.

But young for his level or not, Martes struggled recorded a 7.06 ERA through his first six games before turning his season around.

Control has been an issue. Martes issued 4.1 walks per nine innings while going 5-2, 3.65 through 14 appearances. He looked more like himself recently, going 3-0, 1.80 in eight starts after the poor start.