Hooks Preliminary Roster Announced

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Houston Astros announced an initial 25-man Hooks roster for the 2021 season, featuring three top-15 organizational prospects and six returning players from 2019.

The Double-A roster is highlighted by utility player Pedro León (Astros’ No. 2 prospect by MLB.com), right-hander Hunter Brown (No. 3), infielder Grae Kessinger (No. 15), all of whom will be playing their first full professional seasons. The latter two were selected in the 2019 June draft in the fifth and second rounds, respectively.

León, 22, defected from Cuba in December 2019 and signed with the Astros in January 2021, ranked as the No. 7 international prospect in 2020-21 by MLB.com. He batted .383 with 15 home runs in 33 games during his last professional action in Cuba’s National Series in 2019. León will be joined by fellow Cuban defector Norel González, 26, also making his stateside debut with the Hooks.

Players returning to Corpus Christi who spent significant time with the club in 2019 include first baseman/outfielder J.J. Matijevic, outfielder Corey Julks, and right-handers Willy Collado, Tommy DeJuneas, Chad Donato and Nick Hernandez. In total, 17 players will be making their Double-A debuts.

As previously announced, former MLB infielder Gregorio Petit will take his first managerial post after his debut was postponed in 2020. He is joined by second-year Hooks pitching coach Graham Johnson, hitting coach Rafael Peña, development coach Michael Thomas, athletic trainer Nate Stewart, assistant athletic trainer Tristan Coppinger and strength coach Mike Myers.

The Hooks open the season on Tuesday, May 4 at 6:35 p.m. against the San Antonio Missions at Whataburger Field. The Hooks require all guests at Whataburger Field to wear a face covering or mask upon entry, exit and when not in their seats. For more health and safety protocols, visit our Know Before You Go page.

PITCHERS
Jonathan Bermudez, LHP
Hunter Brown , RHP
Willy Collado, RHP
Brett Daniels, RHP
Tommy DeJuneas, RHP
Chad Donato , RHP
J.P. France , RHP
Nick Hernandez , RHP
Michael Horrell , RHP
Parker Mushinski , LHP
Hunter Peck, LHP
Joe Record, RHP
Cesar Rosado , RHP

CATCHERS
Scott Manea
C.J. Stubbs

INFIELDERS
Norel Gonzalez
David Hensley
Grae Kessinger
Pedro Leon
J.J. Matijevic
Michael Wielansky

OUTFIELDERS
Ross Adolph
Marty Costes
Corey Julks
Chandler Taylor