Kessinger is listed on the Astros' ALDS roster, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Kessinger played a minimal role with the Astros during the regular season, slashing .200/.289/.325 across just 45 plate appearances. However, he went 3-for-12 with a homer against left-handed pitchers, so Kessinger may enter occasionally to pinch hit against southpaws.
... See More... See Less
Astros' Grae Kessinger: Activated to MLB roster
Rotowire
Houston activated Kessinger (illness) from the COVID-19 injured list Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Kessinger has been away from the Astros since Aug. 19 due to COVID-like symptoms. The 26-year-old infielder returns to a .194/.293/.333 slash line through his first 41 major-league plate appearances.
... See More... See Less
Astros' Grae Kessinger: Gets leadoff look
Rotowire
Kessinger is starting at second base and batting leadoff Saturday versus Oakland.
Kessinger has made a nice impression in limited action since being called up by the Astros in early June, boasting an .890 OPS through his first 24 major-league plate appearances. Mauricio Dubon is on the bench Saturday and Jose Altuve (oblique) is likely to be on the injured list for another week.
... See More... See Less
Astros' Grae Kessinger: Smacks first career homer
Rotowire
Kessinger went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Rockies.
Though Kessinger had appeared in just six games since being called up in early June, he drew the starting nod Tuesday after Jose Altuve (oblique) was scratched from the lineup. Kessinger got to work early, hitting a solo homer off Kyle Freeland in the third for his first MLB round-tripper, then followed it up with a single in the eighth for his first career multi-hit game. With Altuve and Jeremy Pena (neck) each battling lingering injuries, Kessinger could receive more action in the near future if either of the pair misses more time.
Kessinger had his contract selected from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday.
Kessinger is set to make his major-league debut after he produced a .284 average with six homers, 32 RBI, 37 runs and two stolen bases over 176 at-bats in 52 games with Sugar Land this season. Although he's not in the starting lineup Monday, he could draw a start during the Astros' four-game series with Toronto as Jose Altuve (oblique) continues to remain out of the lineup.
