Inside the Astros

Houston Astros' First-Round Pick Gilbert Homers in First Professional At-Bat

The Houston Astros assigned Drew Gilbert to the Florida Complex League today, and the first-round pick had an eye-catching first day.

Kenny Van Doren

Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Drew Gilbert made his professional debut for the Florida Complex League Astros Orange on Thursday. Appearing as a substitution in the completion of a suspended game from July 22, Gilbert was inserted as center fielder into the eighth spot in the lineup.

In his first trip to the plate, Gilbert mashed a solo home run to right-center field. The lefty then walked on four pitches the next inning before grounding into a force-out in his final trip to the plate.

The FCL Astros Orange played a second contest Thursday where Gilbert lead off as the designated hitter. The 21-year-old went 2-for-4 with a strikeout, a stolen base and an RBI-single to wrap up his first day of professional play.

Houston Astros Prospect Jacob Melton round third for OSU.
Houston Astros Prospect Jacob Melton round third for OSU / Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Second-round pick Jacob Melton also received his assignment today, joining the FCL Astros Blue. The center fielder went 0-for-4 in the cleanup spot with two strikeouts. These two may see a quick rise to Single-A Fayetteville with more transactions coming Monday.

Of others drafted this past month, only sixth-rounder Collin Price, 10th-rounder Zach Cole Jr. and 13th-rounder Jackson Loftin have received assignments. Price is the only selection playing affiliated ball for Single-A Fayetteville while Cole and Loftin are in the Complex League.

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Kenny Van Doren
KENNY VAN DOREN

Kenny Van Doren is a writer for FanNation's 'Inside the Astros,' part of Sports Illustrated. Kenny formerly covered the Astros for Climbing Tal's Hill of FanSided. Kenny also attends the University of Missouri where he studies journalism. 

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