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

By Colin Gay

Jul 29, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) receives congratulations from teammates after hitting a two run home run in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) receives congratulations from teammates after hitting a two run home run in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Week 18 Pitcher:

Lance McCullers (Owned in 62.8% of ESPN Fantasy leagues)

Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (43) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (43) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

McCullers has been no short of spectacular in the month of July. In his five starts, he gave up seven earned runs on 25 hits in his 30.1 innings of work. He had a 2.08 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP and struck out 44 batters.

His next start will be against an offense he has not faced before. No Blue Jays batter has ever had an at-bat against McCullers. This gives him the advantage. Toronto is fifth in the AL with 868 strikeouts. However, they have proved to be patient at the plate. They are first in the AL with 406 walks.

The Blue Jays have proved to be a patient offense that does not generate a lot of contact. If McCullers can pitch with control, he should give the Astros a good chance to win next Tuesday.

The last start against the Yankees, he did just that. After walking four in each of his three starts before, he pitched six innings of one-run ball, giving up five hits while walking two and striking out 10.

Next: Astros: Talking Stros With Jake Kaplan Before Trade Deadline

With an unsolvable curveball and a mid-nineties fastball, McCullers has the chance to continue to be the ace of the Astros staff. He just needs to keep his pitch count low and keep walks to a minimum.

***Stats provided by MLB.com and Baseball Reference***

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