Astros: Three keys to victory against the Blue Jays

HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 24: Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros singles in the second inning as Drew Butera #9 of the Kansas City Royals looks on at Minute Maid Park on June 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 24: Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros singles in the second inning as Drew Butera #9 of the Kansas City Royals looks on at Minute Maid Park on June 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Astros
HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 24: Max Stassi #12 of the Houston Astros advances on catcher interference from Drew Butera #9 of the Kansas City Royals in the second inning at Minute Maid Park on June 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Key to victory #1: The bats stay hot

Like I mentioned in the previous slide, the Astros’ offense have a 142 wRC+ over the last 14 days. The next highest wRC+ over the same time span belongs to the Phillies with a 128 wRC+.

MLB wRC+ leaders over the last 14 days

  1. Astros: 142 wRC+

  2. Phillies: 128 wRC+

  3. Reds: 127 wRC+

  4. Indians: 119 wRC+

  5. Mariners: 115 wRC+

Quick side note: THE REDS?!

To have a high wRC+ as a team, it is obvious that most of the team’s lineup needs to be producing. Well, the Astros’ lineup has done just that over the past two weeks.

Astros wRC+ leaders over the last 14 days

  1. Jose Altuve: 213 wRC+

  2. Evan Gattis: 195 wRC+

  3. Jake Marisnick: 183 wRC+

  4. Marwin Gonzalez: 172 wRC+

  5. Yuli Gurriel: 172 wRC+

The only two Houston hitters who’ve not recorded a wRC+ over 100 during the past two weeks were Brian McCann (45 wRC+) and George Springer (38 wRC+). Everyone else on the roster, including the five listed above, have a wRC+ over 100 in the last 14 days.

The offense will be key against the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, which is struggling this season. While the recent hot streak can go cold in a heartbeat, Houston’s bats should continue to feel confident.