Astros are three wins shy of Magic Number 11 for April

With a 3-0 win over the Angels last night, the Astros are within three games of magic number 11 for April.

Let’s look at some key players that have helped the Astros to this point.

Josh Reddick

I mentioned Reddick as one of my three players to “wow” us in 2017, and he is living up to this recognition. He’s posting a .324 batting average, an OPS of .728 and two extra base hits. Although he is not a flashy hitter, he has shown his ability to use the entire field to get on base.  He also produces when on the base paths. His move to the 2nd spot in the lineup should add value to his at-bats and allow the bigger hitters a chance to drive in more runs.

Dallas Keuchel

Keuchel has been in 2015 form, and it shows with three straight seven-inning outings, going 2-0 with a 0.86 ERA. His command has been exceptional, and the regained velocity is giving him an added boost when facing hitters. Keuchel came out of spring training with something to prove, and he is proving it in this April.

Astros: April’s Magic Number is 11, must set tone early.

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Chris Devenski

It is hard to bring to words what Devenski has provided from the bullpen. He is showing great command and velocity in relief. His 0.82 ERA this season shows how difficult he has been to hit against. He goes straight at hitters with plenty of strikes and imposes his will upon hitters. He looks solely focused on one thing, getting outs.

Nori Aoki

We all knew what to expect from other players like Spring, Altuve, and Correa. However, Aoki has been a bonus at the end of the lineup. He is the “Leadoff” man, so to speak. He is a solid defensive player, and smart hitter and a savvy baserunner. Not only is Aoki getting on base (.333 BA & .367 OBP), he is driving in runs and showing a bit of power (1 HR & 4 RBIs).

Next: Astros: Top Performers Thus Far in 2017

These four players have provided their magic number to reach the 11 divisional wins for April. All in all, with three games remaining against the Angels, and three games against Oakland at the end of this month, 11 divisional wins this month is well within reach.

***Statistics gathered from Baseball Reference***