Former Astros prospect Jon Singleton returned to Minute Maid Park on Friday and had a career-defining game. Singleton hit two home runs and drove in a career-high five runs, leading the Astros to an 11-3 victory over the Angels.
After battling drug addiction and derailing his promising career, Singleton finally made his way back to the Major Leagues. His three-run homer in the second inning off Angels starter Reid Detmers was his first in the Major Leagues since July 29, 2015. Singleton went eight years and 13 days between home runs, which is the longest gap by any player since pitcher Jake Peavy’s nine-year, 52-day gap from 2006-15. It is also the longest by a position player since Rafael Belliard’s 10-year, 144-day gap from 1987-97.
Singleton’s performance was historic as he became the first player in MLB history to have a multi-homer game for his first MLB homers in eight-plus years. Astros manager Dusty Baker praised Singleton’s accomplishment and highlighted the team’s happiness for him.
In addition to his two homers, Singleton went 3-for-4 with a single and a walk. The Astros reached double-digit runs without any contribution from their top four hitters. This night, however, belonged to Singleton, as he proved that he could still make an impact in the big leagues.
Singleton’s journey back to the big leagues was filled with ups and downs. Following multiple suspensions for marijuana use, he was released by the Astros in 2018. He was out of organized baseball until 2020 when he opened a gym and focused on getting back in shape. After a successful stint in the Mexican League in 2021, Singleton signed a Minor League contract with the Brewers in 2022 and faced several challenges in his quest to return to the big leagues.
Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander expressed his joy for Singleton’s success, noting the long road he had traveled to get back to the Major Leagues.
Singleton’s impactful game not only brought him personal satisfaction but also helped the Astros secure the win. He executed a 390-foot home run in the second inning and followed it up with another almost identical homer in the third inning. Detmers acknowledged that Singleton got the best of him on both occasions.
Verlander, who made his second start for the Astros, held the Angels to three runs and six hits in six innings, securing his 251st career win. Verlander ties with Bob Gibson and CC Sabathia for 45th on the all-time list.
Overall, Singleton’s incredible performance and his journey back to the big leagues make for a great story. Astros manager Dusty Baker acknowledged the significance of Singleton’s accomplishment and the impact he had on the team’s victory.