The Houston Astros have promoted highly touted Cuban prospect Yulieski Gurriel from Triple-A Fresno to make his Major League debut today versus the Baltimore Orioles.

Gurriel will bat 6th and be Houston’s designated hitter for the game:

The decision to promote Gurriel from Triple-A comes after infielder Luis Valbuena suffered a setback yesterday in his recovery from a right hamstring strain.

After signing a four-year, $47.5 million deal with the Astros in July, the team sent Gurriel to the minor leagues where he accumulated 61 plate appearances and batted .250/.262/.429 with two homers and 14 RBIs between Rookie level Greenville and Triple-A Fresno.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch believes Gurriel is ready for the challenge the Majors bring:

“He got up to 50 at-bats with us in the minor leagues. That’s a normal spring training for him,” Hinch said. “We’ve bounced him around the country. But from a baseball standpoint he’s ready, and he’s ready for this challenge.”

First baseman Tyler White was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Gurriel on the active roster. It’s tough to see where Gurriel fits in the future on the Astros, but if he performs, Houston will certainly make room for their wealthy investment.

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