Astros in Fantasy: Fantasy Players of the Week- Week 20

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Aug 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) hits a single during the third inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Here is how I did in Week 19:

Week 19 Hitter:

Alex Bregman– 7/29 H/AB, 5 R, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 SB, .241 BA

Even though his batting average this week may not attest for this, Bregman was one of the most consistent hitters in the Astros lineup this week.

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With a mini eight-game hitting streak that ended with a 0-4 performance Sunday afternoon Bregman had seven hits in 29 at-bats, raising his batting average from .125 to .169. He also drove in two runs and scored five times from the two-spot.

The most important aspect of Bregman’s performance this week was the glimpse of power the Astros saw. Three of his seven hits this week were doubles and in each of those games, he scored at least once. With those extra base hits, he raised his slugging percentage from .167 after the Texas series, to .234.

Although his walk and strikeout numbers are far from impressive, Bregman seems to be slowly getting more comfortable in a major league batter’s box. Starting in 2017, Bregman will be a fantasy weapon.

Week 19 Pitcher:

Aug 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Houston Astros starting pitcher Joe Musgrove (59) delivers a pitch against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Musgrove won his first game of the season in a 5-3 win for the Astros. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Joseph Musgrove- 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 BB, 7 K, 1 W, 2.57 ERA. 1.00 WHIP

Musgrove has been absolutely tremendous in his first three appearances this season. In his second start of the year, he recorded his first major league win after giving up two runs on six hits and a walk in seven innings of work.

Musgrove, like Lance McCullers, was the most hyped starting pitching prospect the Astros had in 2016. He has not disappointed yet. He has a 1.47 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP in 18.1 career innings. Also, he does not generate a lot of contact, striking out 21 in those 18.1 innings with a .185 batting average against.

There is not much more to say about how well Musgrove has done at the start of his major league career. With him available in a lot of leagues, he is the underrated option that will lead your fantasy team to success.

Next: Now on to Week 20

Week 20 Hitter:

Teoscar Hernandez (Owned in 0.0% of ESPN Fantasy leagues)

Aug 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Houston Astros center fielder Teoscar Hernandez (35) gestures as he crosses home plate after hitting a home run in his major league debut against Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

The seemingly loaded outfield that the Astros had before the season is now gone. With the loss of Carlos Gomez and the injuries to Jake Marisnick, Colby Rasmus, and Preston Tucker, two of the three outfield spots are a question mark fantasy wise.

One of 11 rookies that have made their Astros debut this season, number 12 prospect Teoscar Hernandez has been manning centerfield for the past series at Toronto. He made a huge first impression. After walking in his first career at-bat, Hernandez slugged his first career hit over the left field wall.

One of 118 players in baseball history to hit a home run as his first career hit, Hernandez provided hope for two areas for the Astros. First, he provided hope that offensive production was possible for an Astros centerfielder. In 478 at-bats this year from Marisnick and Gomez combined, they recorded only 102 hits, with only 37 of them going for extra bases. Second, he provided hope for a remarkably weak offensive rookie class that the Astros have had this season. Tony Kemp has the highest average for an Astros rookie this year, with a .258 average in 30 games.

Is Hernandez for real?

Since that sensational debut, Hernandez has cooled off a bit. In three games, Hernandez has three hits in 12 at bats and has struck out four times.

His numbers in the minors show his offensive potential. Hernandez had a .307 batting average with a .836 OPS in 107 games spilt between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno. He had 41 extra base hits, including ten home runs, and drove in 53 runs. He also stole 34 bases in 49 attempts.

Hernandez is currently fighting for the 2017 centerfield job. A complete player in the minor leagues, if Hernandez can provide some of that ability near the bottom of the lineup for the major league club, he will generate a lot of runs for the big guys at the top.

However, the problem for ESPN fantasy users is that Hernandez is not available for free agency until August 17th. ESPN did not have Hernandez on their Fantasy Baseball database until today and had yet to go through the waiver wire in most leagues.

This is Hernandez’s chance to produce and possibly win a starting job next season. His statistics for fantasy owners in this next week could be a sign of things to come for him. Once he becomes available, fantasy owners should take a chance on Hernandez this week.

Next: Week 20 Pitcher

Week 20 Pitcher:

Dallas Keuchel (Owned in 92.4% of ESPN Fantasy leagues)

Aug 5, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) celebrates with catcher Evan Gattis (11) after pitching a complete game shutout against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. The Astros won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Keuchel’s 2016 has not gone as planned. In his 23 starts this season, he has a record of 7-11 with a 4.56 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. Even though those numbers are nowhere close to his 2015 campaign, there are some positives.

For example, Keuchel has loved to pitch at home this season. In 10 starts, Keuchel has a record of 3-4 with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. He has only given up four of his 17 home runs at Minute Maid Park this season.

This was evident in his last start against the Rangers. In his finest start of the season, Keuchel pitched a complete game shutout, giving up only three hits, walking two and striking out seven in the 5-0 Astros win.

Also, with his next start coming Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, Keuchel has pitched well against the National League this season. In his three starts, he has given up only eight earned runs on 17 hits and seven walks in 18.2 innings pitched.

Finally, Keuchel has become more consistent post All-Star break. In his four starts, he has a 3.54 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP and a .208 batting average against.

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Even though Keuchel can’t make up for the terrible numbers from earlier this season, he can provide some good starts down the stretch that fantasy owners can benefit from.

***Stats provided by MLB.com, MiLB.com, and FanGraphs***

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