Kevin Alvarez, who the Astros signed for 2 million in January, is having an impressive pro debut. In his first 43 games, he is hitting .317/.436/.475 with 22 walks and 16 Ks in 173 PA. That is less than one K per 10 PAs for a 17 year old! In 43 games, he has only struck out 2 times twice and never more than two. 13 of his 16Ks have come against RHP (He bats LH), but that is in 145 PAs. Still very impressive.
He has 15 Extra base hits (10 2B, 3 3B and 2 HR) out of 44 hits. He is currently ranked #8 on the MLB top 30 Astros prospects. Also, 15 of his 32 RBI came with two outs and RISP. In 34 2 out RISP opportunities, he is hitting .393/.500/.643.
Oh, and he hasn’t made an error yet in the OF.
Another interesting 17 year old is Santiago Martinez. The Venezuelan infielder is hitting .281/.444/.316 in 153 PA. With 32 BB and just 24 Ks. His only extra base hits are doubles (4 out of 32 hits). He has played 8 games at 2nd, 10 at 3B and 18 at SS thus far.
On more on DSL Astros Blue is Adrian Ardines. The 18 year old from Panama has fanned 50 batters in 37 1/3 IP this year. He has only walked 5. Yes, a 10/1 K/BB ratio. This is a vast improvement over last year when he struck out 21 in 20 2/3 IP while walking 20! A 1/1 K/BB ratio.