Astros calling up Paulino for MLB debut

Six days ago, David Paulino was named to the star-studded Arizona Fall League roster. In the meantime, he'll get his first crack at the Major Leagues.

Houston recalled its No. 4 prospect on Tuesday, taking advantage of extended September rosters with 2015 AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel sidelined due to shoulder inflammation. Paulino, a 22-year-old from the Dominican Republic, will slot into the starting rotation Thursday against the Indians, according to reports.

Paulino split time between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno this season. In 14 appearances with the Hooks, including nine starts, the 6-foot-7, 215-pound right-hander was 5-2 with a 1.83 ERA and 72-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 64 innings.

He jumped to Triple-A on Aug. 19 and allowed six runs -- four earned -- in his debut against Albuquerque on Aug. 20. Paulino settled in during his next two turns, allowing three runs -- two earned -- over 10 innings, striking out 13 and walking four. He'll head to Houston with Fresno's season now over.

Paulino, whom Houston acquired from the Tigers in September 2013 as the player to be named later in the Jose Veras trade, missed all of 2014 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He can hit 98 mph with his fastball and features a power curveball that gives him an above-average second pitch, though his changeup remains a work in progress.