TCB Astros Hitter of the Week: July 1-7

There were a lot of strong showings this week at the plate.  The Astros played six games and came away 3-3, and outscored the opposition by two runs over that stretch.  They had double digit hits in three games.  In Boston they had a 17-hit game on Friday and 10 on Sunday.  They followed that up with a 16-hit game Monday night in Cleveland.  Eight Astros batted over .300 and twelve batted over .250 this week.  These are numbers I know (mostly from reading game threads) would be welcome by many fans.  So with many deserving candidates, let's look at the top performers this week.

Honorable Mention

Preston Tucker

He started off the week slowly, but came on at the end to put up good numbers.  Through the end of the Boston series Tucker was batting 3-for-18, but something in Cleveland brought out the hits.  Over the two games he went 6-for-9, bringing his average to a solid .333.  Over that span he hit two doubles and a homer, and collected four RBIs.  Also impressive was the fact he only struck out in about 10% of his plate appearances.  As we reach the halfway point of the season, Tucker is getting more experience at the plate and looks like he is going to have no problem being a solid hitter going forward for the team.

Marwin Gonzalez

Marwin got his chance to do what he does best this week with the injury to Luis Valbuena.  He excels at the role of utility man.  He stepped in and batted .352 with two home runs and three RBIs, more than making up for any offense lost from the injury.  Marwin is not the answer at third base with the power output of Valbuena, but having a guy who can step in and provide what he does is as valuable as any other part of the team.

Winner

Jose Altuve

Our first All Star starter in years batted like an All Star this week.  He just had a 14-game streak come to an end last night.  Over that streak he batted .375, and over the last week it was even higher at .384 with an OPS hovering just above 1.000 (including an OBP right around .500 when you add in his walk and two HBP).  He also scored seven runs and stole three bases.  With him moving back into the leadoff spot after George Springer going on the DL this is exactly what the team needs.

The ROOT Sports folks put it best during the game last night.  With the combination of his talent, infectious attitude, and yes, his size, he is turning into a player that folks all over the country want to cheer for.  With him winning the starting spot in Cincy next week, the legend of Gigante will only grow.