Offense is on the rise

On the heels of a 12-2 rout of the Orioles, Yulieski Gurriel will debut today.

BALTIMORE — Yulieski Gurriel is on his way to the Astros.

The 32-year-old Cuban infielder, who last month signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract, will join the team Sunday and is expected to serve as the designated hitter when he makes his major league debut in the series finale against the Orioles.

Infielder Tyler White was optioned to Class AAA Fresno after Saturday’s 12-2 victory over Baltimore.

At four levels of the Astros’ minor league system, Gurriel had 56 at-bats, a number almost equivalent to a workload in spring training. He spent this past week with Class AAA Fresno and played four consecutive games — including his first in left field on Thursday — and went 4-for-18 with a homer and two RBIs.

“We’ve bounced him all around the country, but physically — from a baseball standpoint — he’s ready for this challenge,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “To add him to this group is certainly exciting.”