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Approaching the final leg of the nine-game homestand the Astros try to put a bow on June in spectacular fashion.
Entering Monday, the Astros were 4-2 in their last six games and 16-5 thus far in June. This includes the 12-game win streak that was recently snapped last Tuesday. Not a bad time to be a Houston Astro. They covet sole possession of first place in the AL West by 4.5 games and separate themselves by 10.5 games against the Los Angeles Angels who were once on the Astros’ tailcoats.
We all know that World Series Championships are not won in June. But great team performances and these stand out players help put tallies in the win column for when October rolls around. And, 52-27 is a nice record to have as July approaches.
Let see who’s trending up this week.
Trending Up: Yuli Gurriel
Gurriel has been brilliant this week. In his last six games, he has seen 23 at-bats and connected on eight balls for a .348 average. This line includes two doubles and two long balls one, in particular, being a grand slam in the 11-3 rout of the Royals on Sunday. In this six-game set, Gurriel accounted for seven of the 26 Astros runs scored. He has the most runs in this span than anyone else on the team.
He has struck out only once in the past week and earned two walks. His OBP is .331 and his batting average has climbed to .306 on the season. Yuli is also slugging a .429 too. Welcome to Gurriel’s Game!
Trending Up: Josh Reddick
Have yourself a week, Reddick. The Astros’ right-fielder, in his last six games, has seen 12 at-bats and managed five hits for a .417 average in that span. He is currently on a three-game hit streak including five hits in his last three games and two multi-hit games. Reddick is now a .254 hitter on the season, the highest its been since April. He’s getting his hits but unable to drive in a run since June 18th.
More surprisingly, Reddick has not struck out. In more ways than one, actually. He hasn’t struck out since June 13th and that is including his engagement to fiance Georgette Elkins.
She said yes!
Welcome back to the trending up list, Reddick. And congrats to you and Jett!
Trending Up: Collin McHugh
McHugh has been called from the bullpen three times in the last six games and answered the call from a happy A.J. Hinch. He delivered including pitching a back to back on June 23rd and 24th. In this span, McHugh notched two wins bringing his season record to 3-0.
In this past week, the reliever threw 4 combined innings and allowed only one hit and one run which wasn’t earned keeping his ERA perfect through three games at 0.00. He now holds an astonishing 1.03 ERA in 25 games and 35 innings of total work. Also, McHugh fanned seven batters and batters are .169 against him this season.
Next: Astros: If you’re seeking bullpen help, look at Blake Treinen
We all know the bullpen has it’s hits and misses, but it’s nice when revilers make the trending up list. Here’s to hoping the makeshift bullpen takes shape and more performances like McHugh are the difference in wins than losses.