Hooks Preliminary Roster Announced
April 30, 2021 - Texas League (TL)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
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.r
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 Koppinger 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 cchooks.com.
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
CJ Stubbs
INFIELDERS
Norel González
David Hensley
Grae Kessinger
Pedro León
J.J. Matijevic
Michael Wielansky
OUTFIELDERS
Ross Adolph
Marty Costes
Corey Julks
Chandler Taylor
• Discuss this story on the Texas League message board...
Texas League Stories from April 30, 2021
- Springfield Cardinals Statement on Parking Price Hikes - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers Announce Updated Safety Policies and Protocols for Start of 2021 Season - Tulsa Drillers
- Cardinals Announce 2021 Opening Day Roster - Springfield Cardinals
- 2021 Travs Opening Roster Announced - Arkansas Travelers
- Hooks Preliminary Roster Announced - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Ian Kinsler Highlights Exciting RoughRiders Opening Day - Frisco RoughRiders
- Sod Poodles, City Federal Credit Union Provided Area Baseball League Uniforms for 2021 Season - Amarillo Sod Poodles
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
