Astros: Three players trending up after the brooms came out in North Texas

The Astros find their winning ways over the last week by sweeping the Rangers and splitting with another AL West foe.

The Astros won five of their last six games and are currently on a five-game win streak. In what seemed like a close, hard fought match with in-state rivals, the Texas Rangers, the Astros’ bats came alive. With a little magic and a keen eye by skipper AJ Hinch, the Astros brought the brooms out in a balk-off of what seemed like an over exertion of four-wins.

The defending world champs now find themselves in a tie for first place in the AL West with the Mariners. The upcoming schedule provides for more separation in the standings should they chose to break away from the pack. Bouts with the Athletics, Royals and Rays on a long road trip will be strenuous but should allow the Astros a great chance to gain sole possession of 1st place.

In this recent stretch of games, the Astros bats came alive to the tune of 32 runs in six games. These three players stood out.

Trending Up: Alex Bregman

No one has more runs scored and RBI in the last week than one, Alex Bregman. In his past six games, Bregman has seen 25 at-bats and connected on 8 of them for a .320 average bringing his season batting average to .266. Secondly, he currently possesses a nine game hit streak and slugging a .632 in June. Bregman is getting on base with a .375 OBP and earned three walks in the past week. He is also responsible for driving in 8 of the 32 runs scored last week, which converted in a percentage is .250. Yeah, he accounted for a quarter of the offense alone. Also, it is fun watching him play.

Trending Up: Jose Altuve

While no one may have more runs scored than Alex Bregman, Altuve is on an Island of his own in one category. Jose has 11 hits in the last six games, the only Astro with double digit hits in a weeks work. He’s seen 23 at-bats and connected on 11 for whopping .478 average bringing the batting average to a .342 on the season. The AL MVP is currently on an 8 game hit streak. Something we are used to. Jose has driven in five runs in that span and provided a much needed boost to the offense. When Altuve trends, it’s because he’s done something spectacular. And 11 hits in six games is pretty impressive.

Trending Up: Hector Rondon

Have yourself a week, Hector Rondon. In three appearances and 3.2 innings of work, Rondon allowed just three hits and no earned runs. His ERA now sinks to a 1.50 on the season including a perfect 0.00 in four June games. He has struck out five and walked only one batter. Eric Huysman of CTH seems to think Rondon has claimed the closer role. And I’m happy with that speculation.

Next: Astros AM Breakdown 6/12/18: Off day blues temporarily reprieved

With a stretched bullpen, Hinch has seemed to play the hot hand of one reliever, former Cub Rondon. With Joe Smith on the DL, Will Harris and Ken Giles giving up runs and not knowing which Brad Peacock they are getting from game to game, Rondon got the call and answered. He’s got three saves in as many games and seems comfortable in the 9th inning. I hope he continues to save games therefore emerging as the solid closer the Astros are desperately longing for.

*** Statistics and information courtesy of Baseball-Reference and MLB.com ***