ROUND ROCK, Texas -- The Astros made a roster move Thursday night, but it had nothing to do with top prospectAlex Bregman. Instead, the Astros swapped out a pair of left-handed bats.
Outfielder Preston Tucker told reporters following Triple-A Fresno's 3-0 loss to the Round Rock Express at Dell Diamond that he was heading to Houston. First baseman A.J. Reed was optioned back to Fresno after going 7-for-45 (.156) with two homers and four RBIs in his big league debut.
Tucker, who was on the Astros' Opening Day roster before being optioned May 15, was hitting .301 with eight homers and 29 RBIs for the Grizzlies. He'll join the Astros on Friday in Houston.
"I'm excited for it," Tucker said. "It's an opportunity. I feel like I have been swinging the bat really well, especially against right-handers, and I think that's [how they're] going to use me. It makes sense to have another left-handed bat in the lineup right now. I'm excited for an opportunity and hopefully I can help us win some games.
Tucker said he focused on getting pitches to hit because he was getting exposed in the big leagues. He said he's refined his approach.
"Obviously, I wasn't where I wanted to be when I was up there earlier and had some things I need to work on. And I came down here really focused on some little things with my approach and I feel like I've done a lot better job with that, so I think all in all I'm more prepared at the plate and come up there with a better plan," Tucker said.