Astros: Colby Rasmus Named AL Player of the Week

Apr 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) celebrates his grand slam home run against the Boston Red Sox in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) celebrates his grand slam home run against the Boston Red Sox in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

For the third straight week, the American League has named an Astro as the Player of the Week.

Opening Week belonged to Tyler White, then the following week was for Jose Altuve. This past week’s award now belongs to none other than Astros outfielder Colby Rasmus!

Despite the lack of overall success this past week with the Astros going 1-5 in that span, Rasmus was instrumental in making sure that last week wasn’t a complete wash. The veteran outfielder finished last week with four(!) home runs, 10 RBI, and four walks while posting an incredible 299 wRC+ in 19 at-bats.

To help you visualize his incredible week, take a look at this graphic below:

Colby Rasmus Spray Chart from 4/17-4/24/16; courtesy of Brooks Baseball.
Colby Rasmus Spray Chart from 4/17-4/24/16; courtesy of Brooks Baseball. /

This is the first time since the award’s inception in 1974 that three teammates have won consecutive weeks to open a season. With those type of performances in the book, it is hard to believe that the Astros are 6-13 on the young season. That just proves that baseball is a cruel mistress at times.

Rasmus will surely not repeat that type of performance anytime soon, but it is nice to see the longtime veteran win his first Player of the Week award for the first time since the 2010 season when he was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals of the National League. Our own Eric Huysman even states that the Astros are fortunate to have the “comfortable” Rasmus on the club.

Next: Houston Astros vs. Seattle Series Preview

The question now becomes whether he can provide high-level offense while the Astros still search for answers to turn the ship around early. Hopefully the answer comes sooner rather than later.

**Statistics provided by Fangraphs**

**Graphics and video provided by Brooks Baseball and MLB.com**