Castro & Dufek Earn August Honors

The Astros recently announced their minor league players of the month for August, issuing Corpus Christi tributes to first-baseman Erik Castro and right-handed reliever Jonas Dufek.

The Hooks posted a franchise-best 17-11 record for August, marching toward a Texas League South second-half title.  

Corpus Christi's success was due in large part to winning close games. Bolstered by a strong relief corps, the Hooks went 13-2 in August contests decided by two runs or less. For the month, Corpus Christi pulled ahead to win in the eighth inning or later 11 times.

Dufek shined in the Hooks bullpen, yielding one run over 14.2 innings. His six August triumphs were tied for the most in the minors and set a franchise standard. Dufek joined Corpus Christi in late July from Lancaster, going 7-0 with a 0.47 ERA in 14 outings with the Hooks. The 25-year-old from Omaha struck out 20 and walked one over 19.1 innings, holding the Texas League to a .212 average.   

Carlos Quevedo did not allow a run in his eight August appearances, striking out 18 against five free passes in 16.0 innings. Andrew Robinson went 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in eight outings before being called up to Triple-A Oklahoma City on September 1.

Castro led the club offensively, batting .340 with 10 runs scored, eight doubles, 4 home runs, 17 RBIs and a .980 OPS.

Second-baseman Enrique Hernandez fashioned a strong month as well, hitting .298 with four homers and 11 RBIs.

Infielder Ronny Torreyes, shipped from the Cubs at the beginning of July for international signing pool space, batted .290 for the month, driving in 10 while scoring 14 runs. The 21-year-old from Venezuela struck out seven times in 93 at-bats. Torreyes finished the season with an 11-game hitting streak, raising his batting average from .202 to .278.