Astros: Three Players Trending Up Following A Rough Stretch

While the Astros have dropped five of the last seven games, three players seem to have found their groove.

After a 9-2 start, the Astros have drop five of the last seven games. There have been some shining moments on this very early start to this 11-7 season. While looking up at the Angels in the division there are still over 140 games left. No need to hit the panic button just yet but let’s take a look at who’s doing it right this season.

The best team in the league last year has entered their first, and hopefully only funk this season. Losing close games last week there have been three studs who are worthy of a shot out and seem to be trending up this week.

Trending Up: Justin Verlander

Wow. AL Player of the week Justin Verlander has certainly played like the player of the month. In his two starts last week, the Astros ace went 1-0 going 15 innings allowing only one run on five hits and striking out 20. Yeah, 20 strikeouts. He now tallies a 1.35 ERA and has definitely started off the season strong. He is now 7-0 in all nine regular season starts for his Astros career. I mentioned he will make a run at the CY Young award this season and this is a great start to that campaign. With fellow starting pitcher Gerrit Cole playing lights out, these two flamethrowers have certainly been a staple in the Astros starting lineups this early into the season.

Trending Up: Yuli Gurriel

When you struggle as a team, it’s hard to find players who stand out. Given the circumstance with replacing J.D. Davis after returning from a suspension and injury, Yuli Gurriel has found his groove early. Playing in five games thus far, Gurriel has batted a .250 average. Seeing 20 at-bats he hit 5 balls, two being doubles and one was a long ball. He’s only struck out twice in twenty tries and took a couple walks also. He’s driven in 4 runs himself and certainly is a small boost that was much needed at that slot in the rotation. We’re hoping Yuli returns to 2017 form and stays healthy all year long.

Trending Up: George Springer

Don’t let the .211 batting average fool you. Leadoff man George Springer has gone .259 in his last 7 and his bat has seem to have woken up. In 27 at-bats, World Series MVP Springer went 7-for-27 scoring 5 runs, driving in five and hit three long balls. He’s struck out five times but is slugging .593 which is a number that is climbing. He’s getting on base also earning five walks.

Next: Astros Fans Need to Forget Los Angeles

It seems like these powerful bats are waking up one by one but staring off with the leadoff man, the Astros are hoping the rest of the rotation falls in line. Welcome to the Trending Up list George. Glad to see you.

**Statistics courtesy of MLB.com**