Houston Astros MLB Call-Ups 2011: Call-Ups Will Highlight Barren Farm System

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Things are grim for the Houston Astros and the September Call-Ups aren't going to offer much inspiration for hope. The farm system is barren. And the call-ups are mostly going to feature retreads.

There is some decent young talent in Houston, but their awful season means that players like Jose Altuve, J.D. Martinez, Jimmy Paredes, Henry Sosa and David Carpenter, are already in the majors. Now there is little left for the Astro fans to rally behind.

The player whose debut is most anticipated in Right-hander Lucas Harrell.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Harrell has been turning heads in the Astros system. He has gone 5-2 with a 1.72 ERA and 38 strikeouts over 52 1/3 innings in nine starts at Oklahoma City. He is scheduled to start for the Astros on Friday night.

And while his minor league stats are something to get excited about, there is a pile of evidence that it doesn't transfer to the majors.

Harrell was claimed off waivers on July 8 after being released by the White Sox. Harrell is 26 and was selected by the Chicago in the fourth round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. He made his major league debut on July 30, 2010.

Harrell went 1-0 with a 5.28 ERA in 11 career games, three of which were starts, for the White Sox.

The Astros will also likely recall rookie right-hander Jordan Lyles. Lyles was the team's top prospect entering 2011. Lyles was underwhelming in his first stint with the Astros. He was 2-7 with a 5.02 ERA in 15 starts.

Outfielder J.B. Shuck will also likely be recalled. Shuck hit .250 with two RBI, two doubles and a stolen base over 44 at-bats in 16 games for the Astros this season.

Unfortunately, the Astros have been through a rough season, and there is little new young life that can spice things up in September.