Convenience Big Store: 🏈 Texans earn a 'B' for 2024 draft efforts

chron.com

View in Browser

Leadoff

Cade Stover (left), Blake Fisher (center) and Kamari Lassiter (right) headline the Texans' 2024 draft class.

Lacking 1st round pick, Texans pull off surprising 2024 draft

Houston didn't shock and awe the league with trades—because they didn't have to.

Kyle Tucker #30 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammate Jeremy Peña #3 after hitting a solo home run in the first innnig during the 2024 Mexico City Series game between the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium on Sunday, April 28, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Why Astros' Mexico City sweep is positive sign for playoff hopes

Joe Espada's squad returned to form on a number of fronts over the weekend.

Cheap Seats

Joey Loperfido #10 of the Houston Astros bats during the first inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 17, 2024 in Jupiter, Florida.

Getting the call

In the Cheap Seats, Chron sports writers answer burning questions from readers.

When will star prospect Joey Loperfido join the Astros?

Chron sports editor Josh Criswell:

Loperfido is the No. 6-ranked prospect in the Astros organization, but his early-season power surge and increased reps at first base have made him a source of intrigue for fans of the MLB club. Loperfido—whose 13 home runs in the minors this year are the most of any MiLB or MLB hitter—is expected to get called up for Tuesday's series opener against the Cleveland Guardians.

Capable of playing multiple spots in the field, Loperfido will provide Houston with a power bat off the bench. However, he could emerge as a potential regular option at first base if Jose Abreu's slow start continues. Abreu has an ugly .099/.156/.113 slash line after going 0 for 4 on Sunday. Loperfido has a .287/.393/.713 slash line on the year, albeit against minor-league competition.