As Joe Espada aspired to be a big league manager, he dreamed of one day making a future player’s call-up to the Major Leagues a special moment.

Smith made the Houston Astros’ Opening Day roster, three league sources told The Athletic on Tuesday, completing his six-week captivation of an entire coaching staff and clubhouse. The 22-year-old phenom is expected to start in right field on Thursday when Houston hosts the New York Mets at Daikin Park.

Smith, who was drafted 14th overall by the Cubs last year, raked in spring training for the Astros, hitting .342/.419/.711 with four home runs in 15 appearances. That performance made it a pretty easy decision to put him on the Opening Day roster, and he'll be in Houston on Thursday as the Astros get their season started against the New York Mets .