Astros recall Velasquez to start against White Sox

CHICAGO (AP) Top pitching prospect Vincent Velasquez has been recalled by the Houston Astros to start against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night in his major league debut.

Velasquez, who turned 23 Sunday, and was 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA in five starts at Double-A Corpus Christi. Velasquez will become the second top Astros prospect to debut in three days, following shortstop Carlos Correa on Monday.

Utilityman Jonathan Villar was optioned to Triple-A Fresno following Tuesday's game. Villar was hitting .263 in 38 games.

Houston leads the AL West but has lost six consecutive games.