Astros in Fantasy: Fantasy Players of the Week- Week 18

Week 18 Hitter:

George Springer (Owned in 98.5% of ESPN Fantasy leagues)

Jul 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter George Springer (4) slides safely into home plate to score a run during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

After a stagnant month of June, Springer kind of came back to life in the month of July. In 93 at-bats, he hit .269 with a .863 OPS. 11 of his 25 hits went for extra bases, including five home runs, drove in 12 runners, and scored 19 times from the lead off spot. After missing all of August last season due to injury, Springer needs to be a key part of the offense if the Astros want to make up any ground in the AL West and in the AL Wild Card race.

There is no better way for Springer to start a spectacular month than to have seven games at home. In 53 games at Minute Maid Park this season, Springer is hitting .281 with a .899 OPS. He also has 11 home runs and has scored 39 runs.

The most important change in Springer’s game at home is his patience at the top of the lineup. He has 37 of his 56 walks at home, and his on-base percentage is .079 points higher. This will be important as he faces the proven starters of the Toronto Blue Jays and the division rival Texas Rangers.

If Springer can set the tone at the top of the lineup, look for him to score a lot of runs in a critical week for this Astros team.

Next: Week 18 Pitcher

Schedule