Springer settling in to life in the Major Leagues

HOUSTON -- In one respect, George Springer's whirlwind first day in the Major Leagues was no different than any other call-up's.

But given the attention the slugging outfielder gained while raking in the Minors, how he's settling in to life in the Major Leagues after a hectic 36 hours is a top priority for the Astros.

"It's been a big couple of days, with traveling and a new ballpark and all of that," Springer said. "I'm excited, because now I can just go about my business, with an understanding for how things go. It's all about my performance now."

Manager Bo Porter said Springer's 1-for-5 outing on Wednesday included some major positives, such as how aggressive the righty was while still maintaining enough patience to draw a walk.

"He doesn't get cheated at the plate," Porter said. "I was glad when he got that first hit out of the way, so we don't have a 'George Springer Watch' on."

Springer took the ball from that first single and gave it to his parents, who were both in attendance for the final two games of the Royals series.

With the salutations out of the way, Springer just wants to get back to a baseball player's preferred schedule -- the routine.

He certainly was out of his element after getting called up, barely sleeping the night before his first game and then quickly falling asleep after the contest.

"I was finally able to get some good sleep last night," Springer said. "I think I slept about 20 minutes the night before. I think I fell asleep in about five seconds [last night] and slept until noon today."

The extra rest seemed to help Springer in batting practice, as he launched several opposite-field home runs and deposited another in the bushes beyond Minute Maid Park's center-field wall for a massive 450-foot shot.