Astros: Most Interesting Statistics of the Young Season

Apr 11, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits an RBI-single against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Statistic #1: Jose Altuve’s ISO

It has been no secret that the Astros second baseman has gotten off to a slow start this year. In Altuve’s first 29 plate appearances he picked up just four hits. And all were singles.

Altuve’s numbers have improved in recent days as he now boasts a slash line of .319/.418/.383 in 55 place appearances. This equates to an 132 wRC+. So, that’s a step in the right direction. But his .064 ISO remains quite low. Broken down this means just three doubles and no homeruns.

You see, Altuve had a power unveiling last season. His ISO through April 17th last year was an impressive .314. That was over the course of 58 plate appearances. Broken down this means four doubles and four homeruns. Quite the difference between the two seasons in roughly the same sample size.

It’s too early to say whether this year we will witness a power regression from Altuve. Last year’s improvement may be an outlier, however, I would be shocked if this continues for much longer. After all, those three doubles that I mentioned just a moment ago have came in his last four games.

Statistic #1: Jose Altuve’s ISO

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