Yulieski Gurriel called up by Astros, will debut Sunday

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The wait for Yulieski Gurriel to join the Astros is over.

The 32-year-old Cuban infielder will make his Major League debut Sunday in the series finale against the Orioles. Tyler White was optioned to Class AAA Fresno after Saturday's game to make room for Gurriel.

Gurriel had 56 at-bats at four different levels of the Astros' minor-league system, with the number being a near equivalent to a workload in spring training. With four games in Fresno, he was 4 for 18 with a double, home run, walk, three runs scored and two RBIs.

In 15 total games - Gurriel played two with the Astros' Gulf Coast League affiliate - he hit .250 with six extra-base hits.

"Things haven't been perfect for him," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "We've bounced him all around the country but physically - from a baseball standpoint - he's ready and he's ready for this challenge. So to add him to this group is certainly exciting for us.

"His baseball readiness - he's in shape ready to go."

Gurriel, who signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract last month, will likely be the designated hitter Sunday. In the field, he spent nearly all of his time in the minor leagues at third base, playing left field for the only time Thursday.

Originally scheduled to join the Astros at home Tuesday against the Cardinals, Gurriel instead went to Fresno after he struggled in five games against Texas League pitching with Class AA Corpus Christi. He went 2 for 17 with six strikeouts.

Yulieski Gurriel will make his MLB debut with the Astros on Sunday in the series finale against the Orioles. Yulieski Gurriel will make his MLB debut with the Astros on Sunday in the series finale against the Orioles. Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Yulieski Gurriel called up by Astros, will debut Sunday 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

At Fresno, Gurriel homered in his debut.

"It's great," Jose Altuve said. "We have high expectations about him and heard he's a good player, good guy. I can't wait to play next to him."