Astros in Fantasy: Fantasy Picks of the Week- Week 12

3 of 4

A Look at Fantasy Baseball Through the Lens’ of an Astros Fan

Jun 19, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Carlos Gomez (30) hits an RBI double during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Here is how I did in Week 11:

Week 11 Hitter:

Carlos Gomez– 9/21 H/AB, 3 R, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB, .429 BA

Gomez finally turned into the hitter that the Astros were expecting him to be when they traded for him at the trade deadline last season.

In his 21 at-bats, Gomez got nine hits, drove in four runs, and scored three times. He was also a threat on the base paths, swiping two bags.

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

Gomez, who is in the middle of a mini five-game hitting streak, is getting more contact on the ball. However, only one of his nine hits has been for extra bases, recording an RBI double to score Jose Altuve on Sunday afternoon. With manager A.J. Hinch strategically placing Gomez near the bottom of the lineup, those singles are making a huge impact, recording four RBIs, including a two-RBI day against the Cardinals Wednesday afternoon.

Gomez has started to turn around his season in the month of June. In his 52 at-bats, Gomez is hitting .269 with a .814 OPS. He also has three home runs and has driven in eight runners.

This performance is the start of a turnaround that Gomez fantasy owners were looking for all season. If he keeps hitting, Hinch will have to move him up in the lineup. This will create more RBI opportunities, especially if his power keeps developing.

Although his numbers have not been up to par with those All-Star seasons in Milwaukee, Gomez looks to be on the right track. Fantasy owners should be happy with his progress.

Next: Week 11 Pitcher

Week 11 Pitcher:

Jun 8, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Doug Fister (58) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Doug Fister– 7.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 1 W, 2.45 ERA, 0.82 WHIP

Fister is continuing to make his case for being the most valuable free agent signing in baseball last offseason.

In his start against the Cardinals on Tuesday night, Fister was yet again dominant. Pitching into the eighth inning for the first time this season, he gave up two earned runs on two solo home runs, while only giving up five hits. He also walked one and struck out six.

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

In his 59 at bats this month, Gonzalez has been red-hot offensively, with a .322 batting average and a .799 OPS.

With Hinch moving him to the number two spot in the lineup, Gonzalez has been a table-setter for the middle of the lineup. Even though he only has four extra base hits with three doubles and a home run, Gonzalez has still been productive, recording seven runs and driving in four runs this month.

If a fantasy owner is struggling with hit total and batting average, Gonzalez is an underrated option that will bring both of those categories up. Another perk of Gonzalez is that he has eligibility at first base, third base, and shortstop.

Another key reason for getting Gonzalez this week is his home/away splits. These first three games this week for the Astros are very important. Good thing that Gonzalez has been very successful at Minute Maid Park. In his 29 games this season,

Gonzalez has a .275 batting average and a .835 OPS compared to only a .559 OPS on the road. With Gonzalez hitting all five of his home runs this season at home, it automatically makes him a factor is such an important series against the division rival Los Angeles Angels.

With his bat and with a variety of places to put him, Gonzalez is a factor in both the home series against the Angels and when the Astros go to play three games against Kansas City this weekend. Pick him up as a utility man or use him off the bench.

Next: Week 12 Pitcher

Week 12 Pitcher:

Jun 15, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh (31) pitches to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Collin McHugh (Owned in 29.5% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues)

Like Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh has come down to earth after putting up remarkable numbers in his first two seasons with the Astros. In his 14 starts on the year, McHugh has a record of 5-5 with a 4.89 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP.

Like Keuchel, McHugh’s stuff has become a lot more hittable. His batting average against is up to .297 with a BABIP against at .359. He gives up an average of 11.1 hits per nine innings.

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

Schedule