HOUSTON -- Jacob Melton's first Major League hit with the Astros is one he’ll always remember. And not just because he saw it replayed over and over on the Daikin Park video screen after the Rays issued a replay challenge, believing that he should have been called out.
Melton, the Astros’ No. 2 prospect who was called up prior to Sunday’s game, went 1-for-3 with two strikeouts as the starting center fielder in Houston’s 1-0 win over the Rays, recording his first Major League hit with an infield single in the fifth inning.
He raced 30.5 feet per second down the first-base line to narrowly beat a throw from second baseman Brandon Lowe after hitting a hard grounder. The Rays challenged the call, but after a replay review, the hit stood.
“They definitely had me sweating that one a little bit,” Melton said. “It’s a surreal feeling. Super excited to get the first one out of the way. Honestly, kind of cool it was an infield knock that got challenged. It's definitely not one I’m going to forget. That’s for certain. I don’t think I would, regardless of what it was. Super special day.”
Melton was called up to replace infielder/outfielder Zach Dezenzo, who was placed on the injured list Sunday with left-hand inflammation. Dezenzo had an MRI on Sunday, but manager Joe Espada didn’t provide an update on him postgame.
Espada was pleased with what he saw from Melton, especially his speed. In addition to his infield single, he raced in from center field in the ninth inning to catch a ball off the bat of Yandy Díaz.
“Those are the tools that we all kind of really like about Melton. His first single in the big leagues, an infield single, you see the speed and you saw the speed in the outfield in the ninth inning," Espada said. "Díaz got it off the end of the bat and that ball looked like it had a chance of falling, but he’s got the makeup speed to cover some ground in the outfield. I thought he handled himself really well.”
Melton, drafted in the second round by the Astros in 2022 out of Oregon State, was hitting .254/.371/.508 with two homers, seven RBIs, 11 walks and 15 strikeouts in 17 games at Triple-A and gives the Astros a much-needed left-handed bat option.
“I’m excited for him,” Espada said. “He’s overcome some injuries. We know about the talent he has, things he can do offensively and defensively. He came in my office and probably one of the favorite parts of my job is when I get that initial conversation when somebody is called up. To see the light in their eyes and a dream come true, I love that part of my job.”
Melton began the season on the injured list with a back issue and has played in only 11 games since May 14 after returning from an IL stint because of a groin injury.
“All the offseason work and preparation that you do and really being able to fall back on that and trust your ability and the work you put in puts you in a better spot to go out and compete,” he said. “I think that’s really the biggest thing I’ve taken pride in this year is regardless of how often I’ve been on the field, I’m confident and I feel good about the work I’ve put in. I feel like I’m in a good spot.”
Melton can play all three outfield positions, but has played mostly center field in his career. His opportunity to play in the Astros outfield may be limited with Jose Altuve in left, Jake Meyers in center and rookie Cam Smith in right.
“I’m going to try to find him some spots there to play,” Espada said. “Also, the DH spot frees up where I could play some at DH and some outfield. I’m excited to have him. I’m excited to see him. I believe in his potential.”
Melton is the second Astros prospect to be called up in as many days. Shay Whitcomb, the Astros’ No. 15-ranked prospect, was recalled prior to Saturday’s game when Chas McCormick went on the injured list with a left oblique strain. He went 0-for-1 in the loss to the Rays while playing left field for the first time in the big leagues.
Whitcomb leads Minor League Baseball with 18 home runs and 12 homers in his previous 21 games with the Space Cowboys. He played all four infield positions and the corner outfield spots at Triple-A this year.
“I’ve been working hard in Triple-A, having success, and so it was a matter of trusting the Lord’s timing with everything and this seemed to be the time,” he said. “I’ve played a lot of outfield and just kind of dishing out all my time everywhere -- first, second, short and third. Kind of everywhere this year.”
Whitcomb posted a .597 OPS in 20 games with the Astros in his Major League debut last year and was sent to Triple-A after making four errors in one game at third base on Sept. 25. Three days later, on his 26th birthday, he had three hits and three RBIs to lead Sugar Land past Omaha, 13-6, in the Triple-A National Championship Game, taking MVP honors.