A.J. Reed fights his way back to Astros

In his first stint in Major League Baseball, former Kentucky Wildcat baseball star and Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year A.J. Reed struggled mightily. But he has earned a second chance and intends to stick around with the Houston Astros a little longer this time.

After being called up on June 25th, Reed struck out 19 times in 45 at bats and finished with an abysmal average of .152. After 17 games, he was sent back down to Triple-A to regain his confidence.

Since rejoining the Fresno Grizzles, he has definitely found it. In 29 at bats, he hit .436 with 4 home runs and 14 runs batted in. On August 2nd, he made his return to the Astros roster.

Despite going 0 for 7 in his return in two games against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Astros have confidence in Reed’s ability to produce for their club as they chase the Texas Rangers in pursuit of a division title.

In speaking of Reed’s time in Triple-A, Astros manager A.J. Hinch said, “He went down there and got a lot of hits in that week and a half and we certainly want him up here. He's a part of the future but he's also a part of right now."

Reed is in the lineup again tonight as the Astros look to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Blue Jays.