Grizzlies 2B/OF Tony Kemp Promoted to Houston Astros
May 16, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release
Fresno Grizzlies 2B/OF Tony Kemp
(Fresno Grizzlies, Credit: Kiel Maddox)
FRESNO, Calif. - After endearing himself to fans throughout the second half of last season over 71 games played in Fresno, Tony Kemp quickly became the most popular player in the just-beginning Houston Astros-affiliated era of the Fresno Grizzlies. Prior to the first 20 home games this season, the question was a constant among young fans congregated near the field, in hopes of getting a high-five or an autograph; where's Tony Kemp?
The answer is now the best it's ever been.
Kemp's contract was selected to the Houston Astros 40-man roster on Monday, May 16, and he was added to the active roster in anticipation of the Astros' three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox which begins on Tuesday. Houston will then return home for a six-game homestand against the Rangers and Orioles.
Kemp, 25, will be making his debut on a Major League roster after playing in 34 games this season with Fresno. With the Grizzlies, Kemp was hitting .298 (36x121) with four stolen bases, seven extra-base hits and 21 walks for a .410 on-base percentage. The left-handed hitting Kemp has played both infield and outfield throughout his minor league career, and has started 15 games at second base, nine in left field and eight in center field this season. Kemp was originally a fifth-round selection by Houston in the June 2013 draft.
A season ago, Kemp routinely wowed Chukchansi Park crowds with diving plays both in the outfield and at second base, his defensive prowess surpassed only by his hustle, dedication and affable nature with fans. He improved his average with Fresno by 25 points from last season to this year, batting .273 in his Triple-A debut a season ago.
While a player's first call to the Major Leagues is always a storybook moment, it was especially so for Kemp. A native of Franklin, TN, just 15 minutes outside Nashville, Kemp returned to the area this past weekend with the Grizzlies as the club began a road trip to Nashville and Memphis. After playing in his first two professional games in Tennessee, the fourth-year pro was able to share the news of his call-up with friends and family, as he had about 50 people in the crowd for him during the games on Saturday and Sunday. Kemp was also named 2013 Southeastern Conference Player of The Year in his final collegiate season, an alum of Vanderbilt University, also in Nashville.
This past spring training, Kemp was a non-roster invitee to Houston's Major League camp for the first time. His position on the Astros 40-man and 25-man roster was created when catcher Erik Kratz was designated for assignment, and outfielder Preston Tucker was optioned from Houston to Fresno. Catcher Evan Gattis replaced Kratz after being recalled from Double-A Corpus Christi.
Images from this story
 Fresno Grizzlies 2B/OF Tony Kemp (Kiel Maddox) |
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