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Fishing Trip Nets Major League Call-Up
18 Jul
Summary
- Outfielder Lucas Spence was promoted to the Astros after catching a personal best walleye.
- Spence's call-up occurred due to Brice Matthews' injury and roster moves.
- He is rated a top prospect and provides a left-handed hitting option for the outfield.
Outfielder Lucas Spence's memorable fishing trip turned into an even bigger celebration when he received a call-up to the Houston Astros. The 23-year-old prospect, who had just caught a personal-best 30½-inch walleye, learned of his promotion to the major leagues on Wednesday.
Spence was added to the active roster ahead of Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, filling a spot opened by outfielder Brice Matthews' placement on the injured list with a knee sprain. This move aligns with the Astros' stated need for a left-handed hitting outfielder before the trade deadline.
Spence, a left-handed hitter, has rapidly ascended the Astros' minor-league system since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He began the season at Double-A Corpus Christi, earning a promotion to Triple-A Sugar Land after 44 games, where he continued to impress.
Houston manager Joe Espada noted Spence's good swing decisions and ability to hit the ball hard across the field, suggesting potential for more power. The Astros see Spence as an option for all three outfield positions, adding depth alongside other left-handed hitters.
In related news, Kai-Wei Teng has returned to the Astros' bullpen after a stint on the injured list. Pitchers Ronel Blanco and Bennett Sousa are also nearing activation from their respective injuries, with Blanco returning from Tommy John surgery.
