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Astros Lose Again On Road: Looking at the Positive Side
By Issa Cook
Luis Valbuena Provided Big Hits in a Solid Road Trip
Aug 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) singles in a run in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
If you’ve been reading any of my articles over the last few months, you would know that I haven’t exactly been defending Valbuena’s efforts in an Astros uniform. A lot of Astros fans got a litle heated on Twitter when I brought up that Matt Dominguez might even be a better option than Valbuena, which I now know is just so very wrong.
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In any case, Valbuena’s recent road trip silenced some haters, as he is now way over the Mendoza line and adding some nice production in the bottom half of the lineup. He posted a .400 (8 for 20) batting average on the road trip with two home runs, three RBI, one double, and only four strike outs.
Valbuena brought his season average from .202 to .213 on the road trip, which is definitely a great trend for Astros fans to see. When hitting well, Valbuena brings a great sense of swagger to the lineup that needs some more punch right now. If he can start producing and put some pressure on guys like Chris Carter and Hank Conger to hit more consistently, it will make this team that much better.
Still, Valbuena shouldn’t be satisfied with a .213 batting average. His power numbers have been lower since the All-Star break and no major league baseball playe should be satisfied with a .213 mark. If he can contribute anywhere near the level he was at in Spring Training, he’ll be a great addition to a lineup that really needs him.
Next: Middle Relievers were Clutch in Close Games