Two years ago the Astros made California high school left-hander Brady Aiken the first overall pick in the 2014 amateur draft. Next Monday, Aiken will finally make his debut as a professional player ... with the Indians.

Obviously, a lot has happened in the last two years. Houston selected Aiken first overall in 2014, but during his pre-signing physical, the team found something scary in his elbow and reduced their offer. Aiken walked away and chose not to sign with the Astros.

Rather than go to a traditional four-year college, Aiken opted to do a post-graduate year at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, allowing him to re-enter the draft in 2015. During his first game with IMG, Aiken blew out his elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery.

The Indians, always known to be opportunists in the draft, selected Aiken in the first round last year anyway. They took him 17th overall and were willing to patient as he rehabbed his elbow. Well, the rehab is complete, and Aiken will pitch in his first pro game next week, the team announced.

Aiken, who is still only 19, is not some run of the mill pitching prospect. You don't get drafted first overall by accident. Before the Tommy John surgery, he profiled as a potential ace with three well-above-average pitches. Here's a piece of MLB.com's free scouting report:

During his storied amateur career, Aiken showed command of three legitimate plus pitches. The left-hander spots his fastball to both sides of the plate, working at 92-94 mph and touching 97 with late life, and he can throw his curveball for a strike or take it out of the zone to induce whiffs. Aiken's changeup gives him a third weapon, thrown with good deception and tumble, and his athleticism and smooth, repeatable delivery bode well for his command profile.

A left-hander with good athleticism and good command of three above-average pitches is definitely first overall pick material. The potential reward is sky high. That's why the Indians were willing to roll the dice on Aiken last year. Talent this great is never available with the 17th pick.

Of course, Tommy John surgery comes with risk. The procedure itself is fairly routine but there's always the possibility Aiken will hit some speed bumps during his rehab, or his stuff will back up. The fact he is scheduled to pitch in a game next week indicates the rehab has gone well to date. Still, there's definite risk.

What about the Astros? Well, they received the second pick in the 2015 draft as compensation for failing to sign Aiken in 2014. They used that pick on LSU shortstop Alex Bregman, who is currently hitting .311/.410/.582 with 13 home runs, 29 walks, and 20 strikeouts in Double-A. Aiken's injury was unfortunately, but the Astros are surely quite pleased with Bregman as a consolation prize.