Astros AM Breakdown: Winning ways continue in Arlington and Forrest Whitley returns

The Astros have continued their winning ways in Arlington and the organization’s top prospect returned to action this most recent Friday.

Thus far in the 2018 season, the Astros have played the Rangers in Arlington a total of six times. In those six games, the Astros are 5-1 with a +18 run differential in North Texas. Quite the reversal compared to a few years ago when Houston couldn’t buy a win in Arlington.

Justin Verlander earned his eighth win of the season by allowing three runs on five hits and three walks in six innings. He also struck out nine Rangers. Sure, it wasn’t Verlander’s best start or anything, but anytime a starting pitcher can provide six innings of three-run ball you should take it.

Jose Altuve also made some noise with his league-leading 56th hit on the road. The 2017 AL MVP in his last 15 games has a .429/.455/.651 slash line with three home runs and 27 total hits. Altuve entering Saturday’s game now has a .856 OPS on the season.

And Tony Kemp deserves his own highlight reel.

Seriously, I am not kidding about the highlight reel. The man can make some amazing defensive catches.

Down on the farm, Houston’s top prospect, Forrest Whitley, made his long-awaited season debut following his return from a 50-game suspension. And he didn’t disappoint.

Randy Cesar also made some news as he now has a 30-game hit streak for the Corpus Christi Hooks. The age-23 hitter has a .914 OPS in 52 games for Houston’s Double-A affiliate in the Texas League.

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We hope you enjoyed this edition of Astros AM Breakdown.

**Statistics and information courtesy of MLB.com and MiLB.com**