The Houston Astros wanted to wait to start the clock on former UConn Huskies baseball player George Springer‘s time in the big leagues. Apparently, they’ve decided they can’t wait any longer.

George SpringerAccording to the Houston Chronicle, the Astros have called up Springer who will start in right field on Wednesday night.

Springer, who was rated the 18th best prospect by Baseball America before the season, was hitting .353/.459/.647 with three home runs, nine RBIs and five stolen bases in 13 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He had three hits, including a grand slam on Tuesday night.

Had Springer started the season in the big leagues, he would have been eligible for free agency in 2019. But now since he spent two weeks in the minors, he’ll be eligible in 2020. Springer also rejected a seven-year, $23 million dollar contract from the Astros in the offseason despite never playing in the big leagues.

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