Astros: Hooks Miss Alex Bregman

Offense

When Danry Vasquez was on the disabled list after his collision with Mott Hyde in May, the Hooks struggled to find production from their third outfield position. With Hernandez off to Fresno, that hole looms large again for the Hooks. Derek Fisher has secured the left field spot, but he has seen a decline in production recently. In 15 at bats this week Fisher struck out eight times. Except Vasquez, the Hooks outfield assortment of Fisher, James Ramsay, and Alejandro Garcia hit .216 this week with only one extra base hit. Vasquez had a pair of doubles with a 1.071 OPS in his first four games back from the All-Star Break.

Vasquez had a pair of doubles with a 1.071 OPS in his first four games back from the All-Star Break.

J.D. Davis hasn’t missed a beat, picking up right where he left off before the break. The 23-year-old is arguably more deserving of a call up to AAA than Hernandez but rather than sulk he continues to make his case for a promotion. He led the team this week with nine total bases and a .529 on-base-percentage, thanks in part to drawing three walks. Davis’ 32 walks this season are second on the team to only Fisher, who has amassed 59 free passes.

Former Hooks catcher Alfredo Gonzalez was removed from the 40-man roster to make room for A.J. Reed on the big league club last week. Gonzalez’s .121 batting average and 2.86 strikeout to walk ratio were the last memories he’ll have as a member of the Houston Astros organization. He was traded to the Chicago White Sox this week for cash. In his place, Roberto Pena figures to get more playing time. Pena has a terrific arm behind the plate and is continuing to work on making contact at the plate. He did blast two home runs this week, bumping his slugging percentage up to .454, second best on the team.

Next: Pitching and Defense