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Astros in Fantasy: Fantasy Players of the Week – Week 23

By Colin Gay

Aug 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (L) and third baseman Yulieski Gurriel (R) on the field for practice before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (L) and third baseman Yulieski Gurriel (R) on the field for practice before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Look at Fantasy Baseball Through the Lens’ of an Houston Astros Fan

Aug 22, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ken Giles (53) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Astros won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ken Giles (53) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Astros won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 22 Hitter:

Yulieski Gurriel– 4/12 H/AB, 0 R, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 SB, .333 BA

After struggling through a right hamstring injury after he made his debut last Sunday, Gurriel has already become a fixture in this Astros lineup.

In the middle of a mini three-game hitting streak, he had four hits in 12 at bats this week, including two doubles. Gurriel was a very important factor in the August 27th win against the Tampa Bay Rays. In that game, he had two doubles in three at bats, driving in two runners.

In the Astros only big move near the trade deadline this season, the 32-year-old veteran has become a veteran presence behind Carlos Correa in the Astros order. As he becomes more comfortable at the major league level, he will get many more opportunities to drive in runs for a much deeper Astros offense.

In the next couple of weeks, the Astros offense is going to need to be red hot to sneak into the American League Wild Card game. Gurriel has proved in his first week in the big leagues that he could be a major factor.

Week 22 Pitcher:

Ken Giles– 3 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 1 W, 2 SV, 3.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP

In a week where the Astros won four out of their six games, Giles was used pretty sparingly. In his three outings, he converted two saves in two opportunities while giving up two runs, one earned, on three hits. In those three innings of work, he struck out five.

What the Astros and fantasy owners alike should be happy about though is Giles’ consistency in the past month he has been the closer. He has converted all four save opportunities while giving up three earned runs in his 9.2 innings pitched. His strikeout ability has been on the uptick as well. In those 9.2 innings of work, he has 19 strikeouts.

If we learned anything this week from Giles, it’s that he is a strikeout machine in the back of the bullpen. Even though it was not always pretty this week, he will get the job done at the end of the game.

Next: Now on to Week 23

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