Astros: Three players trending down after battles with the AL elite

After a week of being battle-tested, who didn’t fit the bill for the Astros?

The Astros went 3-4 in their last seven games. They dropped the series 1-2 to the Yankees after dominating game one and split the four-game series against the Red Sox after winning the first two. These two teams are likely your opponents when the postseason comes. That is if the postseason arrives for the Astros. I hate playing the “If the season started today” game. But, if it did, the Astros are your second wildcard team. Their opponent. The Yankees.

The Astros allowed 31 runs in this seven-game span and scored 31 runs. They went 3-4. They gained no ground in the standings against the elites of the American League. The Astros are currently 4.5 games behind Boston and 3.5 against New York while trailing the Mariners by a game in their division. The schedule does lighten up a bit after this gauntlet concluded which was the Indians twice, the Yankees and Red Sox with the Giants sandwiched in the middle.

Some players couldn’t produce against the cream of the crop pitching and defense. Let’s see who struggled in this seven-game stretch.

Trending Down: Tony Kemp

I want to give this guy a pass. He grabbed the opportunity and seized it when he was called up on May 16^th. He went 10-for-30 for a .333 batting average scoring three runs and driving in eight of his own. Since then, Kemp went 2-for-16 for a .125 average. Look, he’s a young player who just got thrown into a grinder against CC Sabathia, Luis Severino, Drew Pomeranz, Chris Sale, David Price and Rick Porcello. That’s a battle test of pitchers if you ask me. Kemp didn’t emerge victorious like he may have wanted, but the experience was gained. He will have a slate of juicy matchups against the Mariners, Rangers, Athletics, and Royals. Look for Kemp to gain his momentum back in some plus matchups.

Trending Down: J.D. Davis

Since his return on May 22^nd, Davis is 3-for-21 in eight games played. Maybe he didn’t spend enough time in AAA, but it’s not like A.J Hinch has much of choice. The bottom of the order is interchangeable, and he’s playing musical chairs or the hot hand, or whatever you want to call it. Someone will have to emerge from the pack sooner than later if they wish to have a spot on this roster. We’re hoping its Davis. But 3-for-21 isn’t going to secure that, unfortunately.

Trending Down: Charlie Morton

Your favorite pitcher and mine, Morton has found himself on the trending down list. At 7-1, he notched his first loss of the season last night against the Red Sox. He wasn’t going to be undefeated all season, right? Off to the best start in the rotation, Morton has been a staple in this lineup. But in his last two outings which account for 11.1 innings, “Ground Chuck” has allowed nine runs on 17 hits. His ERA now sits at 2.84 on the season. Both games were against the Yankees and Red Sox. It’s going to happen. Two high powered offenses against a stellar pitching staff, the hits will be generated. 17 of them in fact against Morton.

Next: Astros: Starting rotation not quite as stellar in recent weeks

He will be ok. He just got roughed up a bit and allowed four total home runs in those two outings. There are some plus matchups headed his way to look for Morton to bounce back and tally more marks in the win column.

*** Stats courtesy of baseball-reference and MLB.com***