Astros: Alex Bregman has been red hot in return from IL

In his return from the injured list, Alex Bregman has been red hot in the box and at the hot corner for the Astros.

Alex Bregman was out from June 17 through Aug. 24, and since his return to the Houston Astros, he has been impressive. Astros fans waited longer than they thought for him to return as his rehab stint took more time than originally estimated but I think we can all say it was well worth the wait.

Bregman has provided a much needed spark to the Astros lineup going 16-for-43 which translates to a .372 average since Aug. 25. Even more impressive Bregman has only three strikeouts in those 42 at-bats while driving in seven with two home runs.

Adding to the impressive stats, he has reached base every game since he has been back and is currently on a 9 game hitting streak. During that streak Bregman has had multi-hit games three different times and raised his batting average this season from .275 to .290.

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That first home run back came in dramatic fashion as the Astros were down two Tuesday against Seattle in the ninth innings with one on and one out and Bregman launched one 384-feet off the billboards above the Crawford Boxes.

Not to be outdone by himself, on Wednesday with the Astros down four he launched another home run this time into the front rows of the Crawford boxes to bring the Astros within three. His two ninth inning home runs in back to back games bring a welcome pop to an already potent lineup.

Bregman’s presence on the team is a factor in a few different ways, not just offensive production. The lineup is shifted and opposing pitchers have a lot more work to do when he is in the lineup. Lastly his defensive prowess is no doubt a huge plus with a .962 fielding percentage this season. Without a doubt Houston says break out the salsa and a big “Welcome Back” to Alex Bregman!

While the Astros dropped their third contest with the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday 8-5, they will be back in action on Thursday at 7:10 p.m. against the Los Angeles Angels. Framber Valdez will counter right-hander Shohei Ohtani. Also, Breggy Bomb Salsa will make its debut at the ballpark on Friday.