MLB Teams Poised to Heat Up Entering May
By Nick Fustor
Houston Astros (6-14)
We’ll give the Astros the benefit of the doubt. They’re a young team in a weak division and came off an offseason of celebration. That’s fine. It happens. But now it’s time to get back on track. Last year’s Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel hasn’t looked like himself, Carlos Correa hasn’t surpassed Mike Trout as the best player in the division, and Carlos Gomez is still struggling in the post-Milwaukee era of his career.
Let’s start with the offense. It’s been average, at best, and that’s putting it lightly. They’ve scored 78 runs this season and are owners of a .243 team batting average. If they hope to compete, the team’s veterans will need to step up their production. Correa has been one of the lone bright spots, as he’s owner of a .292/.378/.472 slash line while blasting three home runs.
His infield partner, Jose Altuve, has been even more dominant. The soon to be 26-year-old is hitting .321 with five home runs and an impressive 0.69 strikeout to walk ratio. Oh, he also has nine steals. There’s MVP potential in the 5’6″ second baseman this season.
Along with them, George Springer and Colby Rasmus have managed to hit for both contact and power, while rookie Tyler White has solidified his role as the everyday first baseman going forward. The struggles begin, however, with Evan Gattis, Jason Castro and Luis Valbuena. If any of the three continue to struggle, it’s likely Houston will seek outside help.
The starting rotation is where the real trouble starts, though. Dallas Keuchel hasn’t been bad by any means, but his 3.71 ERA and 3.71 BB/9 rate are far from what the team was hoping for to start the year. His 3.15 FIP is a positive sign going forward, although his velocity has been slightly down. Outside of Keuchel, things get ugly.
Doug Fister is proving to be a bust free-agent signing, Scott Feldman is still Scott Feldman, Mike Fiers is nowhere near the no-hitter version of himself and Collin McHugh is a train wreck with a 7.56 ERA. The team will be banking on the return of Lance McCullers in the next few weeks.
The bullpen has also had its issues, as offseason addition Ken Giles has been a disaster since losing out on the closer job to start the season. Closer Luke Gregerson has been electric, however, as he’s posted a 1.13 ERA with four saves.
If the pitching rotation can get itself sorted out and one more bat can start to produce, the Astros will be back in contention in a weak AL West.
Next: Even year magic