Star Performer of the Week (Aug. 6 – 12)

A rare two win week and the Star Performer Award is back. Wilton Lopez gets honorable mention for getting both wins. But Lopez also took a loss and had a blown save. Jose Altuve had a nice week and finishes as runner-up. Altuve was given the day off on Sunday after going 8 for 25 and scoring six runs in the previous six games. Jose also had four stolen bases during the week.

This week one of our newest Astros becomes  a first time winner of the Star Performer Award. Steve Pearce hit .400 (10 for 25) for the week and drove in five runs for his new team. Pearce also reached base on a HBP and three walks. Pearce scored the winning run in Friday night’s walk-off and went 3 for 4 in Saturday’s ten inning win, including a walk in the tenth.

Pearce has reached base safely in all eleven games he has started since joining the team and is currently riding an eight game hitting streak. I think Pearce has earned the right to start every day in rightfield until someone else proves to be more productive. The Astros have struggled to find steady production from their outfielders this season and Pearce has performed as well as anyone out there with the possible exception of Justin Maxwell.

Pearce has been a pleasant surprise since being claimed off waivers from Baltimore. I also like his fire and determination. Pearce plays hard and looks like a guy who could provide some much needed veteran leadership on this young Astros team.

His versatility is another valuable asset. Pearce is a decent defender at either of the corner outfield spots as well as first base. He has also played some 3B in his career and can’t be any worse there than Brett Wallace.Brad Mills needs to find a way to keep Pearce in the lineup as long as his hot streak continues.