Former Ole Miss star Grae Kessinger called up to major leagues
Jun. 5—Former Ole Miss shortstop Grae Kessinger — a third generation member of his family to play with the Rebels — is being been called up by the Houston Astros, Mark Berman of Houston's Fox 26 reported Sunday night.
Kessinger 's grandfather, Don, played parts of 16 MLB seasons as a middle infielder and was a six-time all-star with the Chicago Cubs. Don's son, Keith — Grae's uncle — played at Ole Miss and had a brief major league career as well.
"This is awesome and exciting. A lot of work and a lot of support from my family. All the sacrifices growing up makes it all worthwhile. A dream come true," Grae told Berman.
Grae went to Oxford High School before his decorated career at Ole Miss. He played three seasons with the Rebels, hitting .283 with 17 home runs and 103 RBIs. He was named first-team All-SEC in 2019 after hitting a career-best .330 with seven home runs, 50 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. He was selected by the Astros in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft (68th overall).
Grae has been in AAA with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys this season and is hitting .284 with six home runs and 32 RBIs. He's hit 33 home runs over four seasons in the minor leagues.
Kessinger is being called up due to Astros star second baseman Jose Altuve missing Sunday's game with an oblique injury, according to the Houston Chronicle. Altuve is considered "day to day," the Houston Chronicle reports.
