Three things from the Astros’ 11-4 win over the Tigers

The Astros continue their recent tear through the competition on Tuesday.

As it currently stands, the Astros have the best offense in the majors by a country mile. With a 136 wRC+ in their first 43 games, the club’s nearest rival for best offense in baseball belongs to the Twins and Dodgers, who both own a 116 wRC+ entering Wednesday. There isn’t a better team in this regard than Houston.

Wade Miley is staying steady

If the Astros had a question mark at any position, it had to be the back-end of the rotation. It isn’t to replace three pitchers — Dallas Keuchel, Charlie Morton, and Lance McCullers, Jr. — in quick order. And it hasn’t been a completely smooth transition.

However, Wade Miley, a late addition in the offseason, has thrown some quality innings early on this season. The veteran southpaw won’t blow anyone away with his numbers (3.51 ERA in 51 1/3 IP), but he has stabilized the backend of Houston’s rotation. While he did surrender four runs in six innings against the Tigers on Tuesday, he has held it together quite well this season.

George Springer pushing his way up the leaderboard

At this moment only Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich, both in the NL, have a higher wRC+ than George Springer’s 187. Yes, Springer has been the best outfielder in the AL this season with a 2.7 fWAR. And, yes, that is currently higher than Mike Trout‘s 169 wRC+ and 2.5 fWAR.

Since going 0-for-4 last Friday at Minute Maid Park, the Astros’ leadoff hitter has went 11-for-17 with three home runs and six RBI. His inside-the-park home run against the Tigers on Tuesday was truly a sight to behold.

https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1128460374582415360

A rebound performance from Collin McHugh

We all know why Collin McHugh is back in the bullpen following a stint in the rotation. Honestly, it was bound to happen to most pitchers who surrender 24 earned runs over 18 innings. That said, McHugh has held opposing lineups to just one earned run over his last 3 2/3 innings of work as a reliever. He did hold the Tigers to zero runs in two innings on Tuesday, which counts as progress. Also, his average fastball velocity has been up a couple of ticks as reliever (90 MPH) compared to earlier in the season. Unless something drastic occurs, we may see McHugh stay in the bullpen for a while.