Astros in Fantasy: Fantasy Players of the Week- Week 16

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

Jul 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh (31) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Houston defeated Seattle, 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Here is how I did in Week 15:

Week 15 Hitter:

A.J. Reed– 1/3 H/AB, 0 R, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB, .333 BA

Limited to a platoon role on the Astros active roster, this weekend may have been the beginning of the end for Reed’s 2016.

All four of his at-bats this weekend came against right-handed pitching, getting a single in his third at-bat Saturday against the young right-handed set-up man Edwin Diaz. He also walked in a pinch-hit opportunity on Sunday afternoon against veteran right-hander Joaquin Benoit.

With the inevitable call-up of both Alex Bregman and Yulieski Gurriel, both corner positions, with Bregman at third and Luis Valbuena at first, and the designated hitter position, Gurriel, will be filled. Reed will either continue to platoon on the major league roster or go back to Triple-A Fresno to hone in on his offensive game, especially against left-handed pitchers.

There is no question if Reed will be the starting first baseman on Opening Day in 2017. That is when fantasy owners should take a serious look at him, though. Until then, Reed should spend the rest of August, before September call-ups, working to meet the expectations the Astros and fantasy owners have of him.

Week 15 Pitcher:

Collin McHugh– 6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 10 K, 1 W, 0.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP

McHugh started the second half of 2016 in dominant form.

In a start that is very similar to a start by his Astros rotation counterpart Lance McCullers, McHugh threw six shutout innings, giving up four hits and four walks while striking out 10. He helped lead the Astros to an 8-1 win over the Seattle Mariners. This was the start McHugh was looking for to start the second half after posting a 3.11 ERA post All-Star break last season.

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Going into the All-Star break, McHugh was just as dominant, posting a 3.07 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in his last seven starts. He has also had his strikeout pitch working in those seven starts striking out 43 in those 41 innings.

However, in those seven starts, McHugh only recorded three decisions. He had a record of one win and two losses in those starts.

If the Astros give him run support like they did Sunday afternoon, McHugh is looking to have a fantastic second half. Pick up McHugh while you can.

Next: Now on to Week 16

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