Climbing Tal's Hill
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Astros in Fantasy: Fantasy Players of the Week- Week 8

By Colin Gay

May 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Doug Fister (58) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Doug Fister (58) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Week 8 Hitter:

May 22, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) tosses his bat after striking out during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) tosses his bat after striking out during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

George Springer (Owned in 98.2% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues)

Springer has not done well in the month of May so far. He has only recorded 18 hits in his 80 at-bats, hitting five home runs, driving in 14 times, and scoring himself 14 times.

These are not very good numbers for a hitter in the two-spot in the lineup. However, Springer has embraced the role of the second hitter by trying to get on base more often. Although his batting average is down to .254 this season, Springer has found multiple ways to get on base.

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After walking only seven times in April, Springer has embraced this way of getting on base, walking 17 times so far this month. His increased number of base on balls has raised his on-base percentage 10 points to .350.

Although his strikeouts have not gone down as much as one would like to see out of the two-spot hitter, Springer has been hitting more to contact. He quietly put together a ten-game hitting streak from May 11th to May 21st.

The Astros are going to need that contact bat against the Orioles this week. Springer has been successful against the Orioles in his career. In 2015, Springer hit .357 in 28 at-bats against the Orioles including two home runs and a double with a 1.026 OPS.

So with the first place Orioles coming to town and the Astros traveling to Los Angeles this weekend, the Astros need Springer, along with Altuve, to make up for the lack of offense at the end of the lineup.

Springer may not be a great option for average, but with his increased on-base percentage, look for him to be a big producer in runs at the top of the lineup.

Next: Week 8 Pitcher

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