The first MLB debut from the Astros' 2024 Draft class was made by a non-drafted signee.
Lucas Spence broke into the big leagues July 17 after spending parts of his second full pro season at Triple-A Sugar Land and Double-A Corpus Christi. But the cup of coffee in the Majors for the Astros' No. 12 prospect didn't produce the most proficient ledger.
"It's a valuable experience," Astros director of player development Sam Niedorf said. "He's going to be better because of it. It was a quick rise. ... Learning at the big league level is imperative for any young player, and Lucas got that at a really ripe age of 23. We know that this experience is going to serve him well and make him even a better version of himself next year when he gets back up there."
The Southern Illinois-Edwardsville product appeared in 14 games for Houston. He recorded five hits -- one double -- and struck out 15 times while picking up three walks before being optioned to Sugar Land on Aug. 3.
But in recent weeks, the left-handed outfielder has seemingly turned over a new leaf. In the Space Cowboys' 5-0 victory over Oklahoma City on Sunday at Bricktown Ballpark, Spence extended his on-base streak to 12 games, going ...