Astros call up former 'Cat Preston Tucker

TROY, NY - The Houston Astros called up outfielder Preston Tucker from Triple-A Fresno yesterday afternoon, and when the 24-year old Tampa, Fla., native debuted last night against the Los Angeles Angels, he became the 35^th former member of the Tri-City ValleyCats to reach Major League Baseball.

Tucker wasted no time making an impact, as he tied the game with a one-out RBI single in the ninth inning off of Huston Street, the Angels All-Star closer. His clutch base hit helped propel the Astros' three-run rally en route to a 3-2 comeback victory in Anaheim.

The Astros seventh-round MLB Draft selection in 2012, and the 14^th ranked prospect in Houston's organization entering this season, according to Baseball America, Tucker made his professional debut with the ValleyCats on July 18, 2012 at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium against the Lowell Spinners.

He went went on to appear in 42 games for the 'Cats in '12, posting a robust .321 batting average, while leading the team with eight home runs, and finishing second on the squad with 40 runs batted in. During his standout Tri-City campaign, the University of Florida product was twice named New York-Penn League Player of the Week.

Following his 2012 pro debut, Tucker split the 2013 season between Class-A Advanced Lancaster and Double-A Corpus Christi, combining to hit .297 with 25 home runs, and 104 RBI. Last season, he almost matched that output en route to posting a .287 batting average with 24 long balls and 94 runs batted in split between Corpus Christi and Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Prior to his call-up this season, Tucker was off to perhaps his best start of his professional career, leading the Triple-A Pacific Coast League with 10 home runs and 32 RBI, while batting .320 in 25 games in Fresno.

To view Preston Tucker's first Major League base hit and RBI, click HERE!