Astros Tony Kemp and Colin Moran both enjoying promotions

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Two hours before first pitch, Tony Kemp and Colin Moran sat in the U.S. Cellular Field visiting dugout, presumably soaking in what the last 48 hours has been for the two of them.

On Monday, Kemp was called up from Class AAA Fresno.

Later that day, Moran, another top prospect at Fresno, sent Kemp a text saying he was coming to Chicago as well. Moran, a 22-year-old former first-round pick, was called up Tuesday.

“I just immediately called him,” said Kemp, a 24-year-old Vanderbilt product and former Southeastern Conference Player of the Year. “Colin’s one of those guys who doesn’t show many emotions, but I think this one got to him. He was just like, ‘I’m trying to figure out flight info and I’m calling my dad.’

“It was really cool to see that kind of emotion come out of him.”

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Houston Astros infielder Tony Kemp called up by Astros Houston Astros infielder Tony Kemp called up by Astros Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Astros Tony Kemp and Colin Moran both enjoying promotions 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Moran, a left-handed hitting third baseman, hit .288 with a .747 OPS in 136 plate appearances with Fresno. He was the sixth overall pick in 2013 and was part of the Jarred Cosart trade with the Marlins that also brought the Astros Jake Marisnick and Francis Martes.

“Still just trying to soak it in,” said Moran, the nephew of former big leagues Rick and B.J. Surhoff. “Hasn’t really set in yet, but just being around all the guys and seeing the park has been a lot of fun.”

Both Kemp and Moran are left-handed hitters, which makes the roster lefty heavy against lefties Carlos Rodon (Tuesday) and Chris Sale (Thursday). Kemp and Moran will start Wednesday against right-hander Mat Latos.

“It’s starting to become time to look at the internal options that we have to help us from the minor leagues,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said before Tuesday’s game. “Those two guys are both playing well in Triple A. They’re both different.

“They’re both going to play different roles here, but we’re looking to jumpstart an offense for a little bit more consistency.”

The left-handed hitting Kemp should see time in the outfield, but could also serve in a pinch-running role as well. Moran has the possibility to see more regular playing time, Hinch said, getting time at third base and as the designated hitter.

Marwin Gonzalez remains the Astros’ utility infielder, seeing time at all four spots this season, while regular third baseman Luis Valbuena will start floating between both corner infield spots and DH.

Hinch said he hopes the moves can help jumpstart an offense that outside of Jose Altuve has struggled to find consistency all year. The Astros entered Tuesday 27th out of 30 team in batting average and first in strikeouts.

“Having more options is good,” Hinch said. “We might see a little bit more of a fluid interaction between Triple A and the big leagues if needed, but there’s opportunities and at-bats to be taken and whether it’s our everyday guys or whether it’s our bench players, we’re looking for a little bit more production.”