Signed as an undrafted 18-year-old in 1992, Truby spent the first five seasons of his professional career in Single-A ball. But he won a promotion to Double-A Jackson in 1998 and rewarded the Astros’ patience with a productive campaign in 1999. Finally reaching the majors in 2000, Truby took over the starting third base job from former All-Star Ken Caminiti and hit .260 with 11 homers and 59 RBIs in 78 games, including an impressive .585 slugging percentage with men on base.
Truby struggled at the start of the 2001 season and eventually lost his starting job when Vinny Castilla was signed by the Astros in May. He ended the season with only 136 at-bats and a .206 batting average.