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Astros in Fantasy: Fantasy Players of the Week – Week 23

By Colin Gay

Aug 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (L) and third baseman Yulieski Gurriel (R) on the field for practice before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (L) and third baseman Yulieski Gurriel (R) on the field for practice before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Week 23 Hitter:

Jose Altuve (Owned in 99.2% of ESPN Fantasy leagues)

Aug 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits an RBI double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits an RBI double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

What’s new? With an MVP caliber statistics and his team’s season on the line, whom else would you pick?

However, in Altuve’s last seven games, he really has been struggling. In 29 at bats, Altuve has a .172 batting average and an OPS of .477. This is particularly odd because usually when Altuve’s hot, so is the rest of the offense.

Just like every weekend in September, this is an important week for the Astros. All six games come against AL West opponents. Also, they are going to have to face Texas on the road.

Good thing that Altuve has put up good numbers against these teams. In 48 at bats against the Oakland A’s, Altuve has a .313 batting average and a .838 OPS. Three of his 15 hits this season against the A’s have gone for extra bases and he has driven in three runners and scored himself nine times.

Against the Rangers, Altuve has a bit more power. Seven of his 16 hits have gone for extra bases including two home runs off of Keone Kela and Colby Lewis. He has driven in 12 runners and scored himself six times.

He has been a different type of hitter against these two teams. Against the A’s, his numbers are more like a table setter near the top of the lineup. This brings high averages and high amounts of runs scored. Against the Rangers, he puts the offense on his shoulders, driving in runs and providing the power that a three-hole hitter should.

An MVP like player should take on whatever role the team needs him to. Altuve, this week, needs to be that complete player he has been in 2016. If so, wins will follow and fantasy elite status will come with it.

Next: Week 23 Pitcher

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