The Houston Astros used the first pick of the 25th round of the Major League Baseball free-agent draft to select Wichita State junior left-handed pitcher Albert Minnis, who led Lawrence High to the Class 6A state title his junior season.

Minnis said he hopes contact negotiations will progress swiftly so that he can start his professional baseball career.

“I think I’m ready to play,” Minnis said. “I think it’s time to go play now.”

Minnis said that he is three semesters shy of having enough credits to graduate from Wichita State.

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to get something done (in terms of Astros guaranteeing to cover the expenses for remaining credits) about my school,” Minnis said. “That was definitely a main priority.”

The Atlanta Braves selected Minnis in the 33rd round after his senior year in high school, but he opted to go to Wichita State.