Astros Countdown: Players to Watch in August

DETROIT, MI – JULY 28: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning at Comerica Park on July 28, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

After going on the 10-day disabled list on June 8^th for neck discomfort, Dallas Keuchel came back to the Astros starting rotation on July 28^th against the Detroit Tigers. For many, it was not what was expected out of the former Cy Young award winner.

Coming into the start with a 1.67 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP, Keuchel gave up three earned runs. It was only the second time this season in which he has given up more than two earned runs in a start. He also gave up six hits and three walks in three innings of work, his shortest outing of the year.

In his first two innings, Keuchel struggled with his control. He threw over 30 pitches in each of those innings, throwing only 79 pitches in the start. However, Keuchel does go into the month of August with a perfect 9-0 record and a 1.94 ERA.

Last season, Keuchel pitched very well in the month of August. In four starts, He went 3-1 with a 3.10 ERA, his lowest ERA for a month in 2016, with a 0.97 WHIP and a .215 batting average against. He also only walked five and struck out 25 in 29 innings pitched.

Despite struggling in his final start in July, Keuchel needs to be in ace-like form if the Astros want continued success through the end of the regular season.

Schedule