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Astros in Fantasy: Best and Worst Performances – Week One

By Andrew Gleinser

Apr 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) reacts after hitting a three run game winning walk off home run against the Seattle Mariners in the 13th inning at Minute Maid Park. Houston Astros won 5 to 3.Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) reacts after hitting a three run game winning walk off home run against the Seattle Mariners in the 13th inning at Minute Maid Park. Houston Astros won 5 to 3.Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Which Houston Astros players had the biggest impacts in fantasy baseball in Week One?

The first week of the fantasy season is behind us, and now we can evaluate actual performances. Some Astros started hot, while others struggled. Without further ado, here are the best and worst performances in Week One.

Best Hitter: George Springer

This one is no surprise to anyone who’s watched the Astros play this week. Springer belted four homers, drove in eight runs and scored five times. This kind of performance is more than worthy of his draft status.

The only knock on Springer’s game this week is that he was caught stealing twice. Regardless, he’s off to a hot start and should not be left on the bench anytime soon.

Best Pitcher: Dallas Keuchel

Apr 8, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Much was discussed about how Keuchel would start the season, and he’s looked fantastic. Through two starts, Keuchel threw 14 innings, giving up just one run on four hits total. He would have posted a 2-0 record if not for a bullpen mishap on Saturday.

It’s unlikely Keuchel maintains his 0.64 ERA through the season, but he certainly looks to have rebounded from last season. If he continues to pitch well, he will prove to have been a great fantasy bargain.

Worst Hitter: Jose Altuve

Altuve hasn’t even come close to looking like himself yet, hitting just .160 through Saturday’s game. He’s striking out more often and hitting into too many double plays. Quite frankly, he’s in a pretty bad rut.

The good news is he had his first multi-hit game on Sunday and also stole a base. It’s too early to jump into panic mode on Altuve, as he will likely come around sooner rather than later.

Worst Pitcher: Luke Gregerson

From a fantasy perspective, this wasn’t an easy decision because Gregerson is only owned in a small percentage of leagues. But his horrid performance combined with the lack of a better option means he gets the nod anyway. He is a plus in leagues that award holds though.

Next: Repercussions of the Collin McHugh news.

Gregerson imploded for six runs on Saturday while recording just one out. It was an awful performance after three straight scoreless outings to begin the season. He should be fine going forward, but if you had him in your fantasy lineup, this is a week you’ll want to forget.

***Statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference***

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