Earlier on Monday, the Astros brought Tony Kemp to the majors.

A former fifth-round pick, Kemp has hit .281/.359/.375 throughout his Triple-A career, all the while splitting time between second base and the outfield. He isn't an elite prospect, but he is an interesting one. Craig Goldstein, Baseball Prospectus' minor-league editor, said that Kemp has "huge makeup" and a real shot to be an "above-average hitter." Alas, Goldstein also said that Kemp "won't give you any power" and is "limited to second base by his arm." Overall, Goldstein thinks Kemp can be a big-league player for the foreseeable future, provided teams focus on what he can do rather than what he can't.

The aspect that will get Kemp noticed the most is his body. He's listed at 5-foot-6, which, in the height-inflated world of pro athletics, means he's probably closer to 5-foot-4 when barefoot. No matter whether you give him the benefit of a shoe or not, Kemp is one of the shortest players in baseball.

Tony Kemp was brought to the majors on Monday. USATSI

Just how short is Kemp? He's listed at the same height (66 inches) as teammate Jose Altuve, who in turn is tied for the shortest player in baseball with Padres utilityman Alexi Amarista. Baseball-Reference lists two other position players as being within an inch of Altuve: White Sox shortstop Jimmy Rollins and Royals pinch-runner Terrance Gore. Otherwise? Everyone else is listed at 68 inches (including the shortest pitcher, Marcus Stroman) and up.

Kemp's stature makes him a novelty in contemporary times, but his lack of height isn't as impressive from the wide angle. Since 1950, there have been nine players who were 65 inches tall or shorter -- Eddie Gaedel, obviously enough, being the shortest of the short. If we limit our scope to the 1970s forward, then Al Montreuil, a second baseman who received a shot glass of coffee with the Cubs in the early '70s, takes the crown as the shortest player.

So even when it comes to being tiny, Kemp comes up, well . . . you get it.