Astros Bytes: 8 interesting numbers on the Houston Astros Vol. 5

Eight bytes equals a bit, so here are 8 interesting byte sized Astro related numbers that equals a bit of information in the 5th edition of Astro Bytes:

The Houston Astros are nearing their fourth American League West title in the last five seasons. If the Astros beat the Oakland A’s on Sunday and the Seattle Mariners lose to the Los Angeles Angels, then the Astros lock a spot for October.

4.06 – The Astros starting pitchers have an ERA of 4.06 in the month of September, seventh in the MLB and fourth in the American League.

4.04 – The Astros bullpen has an ERA of 4.04 in September which ranks 15th in MLB and ninth in the American League.

6 – The combination of Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick have combined for six outs above average in center field, with each accounting for three.

167 – Kyle Tucker’s wRC+ since May 1 is 167, the third highest in MLB and first in the American League.

116 – The Astros team wRC+ of 116 is the best in MLB, as is their batting average (.268) and runs scored (830).

.126 – Opponents are batting .126 on Framber Valdez’s curveball. In 167 at bats versus the pitch Valdez has given up only a home run while striking out 88.

19.4 – The 19.4% strikeout rate for Astro batters is the lowest in the MLB.

.164 – Jake Meyers is batting .164 in 55 September at bats after batting .316 in August.

The Astros are back in action on Sunday at 3:07 p.m. in Oakland. Off the shelf, Jake Odorizzi returns to the hill, as Seth Martinez was optioned to the taxi squad prior to the start. The A’s are sending right-hander Paul Blackburn to counter Odorizzi. Nothing more has been reported on the status of Michael Brantley, as the outfielder remains on the injured list.