Houston Astros News: July 6, 2017

Houston Astros News

A.J. Hinch: Astros' lead doesn't affect play | MLB.com
A.J. Hinch had just been asked the kind of question Major League managers are almost never asked. How do your Astros maintain a competitive edge with a 16-game lead in the American League West?

Springer, Astros keep streaking in win over Braves (Jul 05, 2017) | FOX Sports
ATLANTA (AP) George Springer relishes getting so many chances to drive in runs for Houston's potent offense.

Houston Astros: Forrest Whitley is looking like the real deal
The Houston Astros have an ace in the making that just got promoted to A+ level baseball. His name is Forrest Whitley and he is looking like the real deal.

Hinch: Never Been With A Team As Good As This Astros Team « CBS Houston
The Houston Astros are on a historic pace, for the franchise, through 84 games this team has won 57 games. Astros Manager A.J. Hinch told Mike Meltser and Landry Locker, filling in for Seth Payne, on Mad Radio on SportsRadio 610 on...

Astros send Ashur Tolliver back to Class AAA - Houston Chronicle
The Astros demoted lefthanded reliever Ashur Tolliver to Class AAA to clear a spot for Joe Musgrove's call-up before Wednesday night's game against the Braves.. ATLANTA - The Astros demoted lefthanded reliever Ashur Tolliver to Class AAA to clear a spot for Joe Musgrove's call-up before Wednesday night's game against the Braves.

Astros' Collin McHugh pitches into fourth inning in second rehab start - Houston Chronicle
Astros starter Collin McHugh was efficient enough in his second Class AA rehab start Wednesday night to complete 3 2/3 innings and build his pitch count up to 53. Yet to pitch for the Astros this season because of an elbow impingement, McHugh will probably require multiple additional minor league rehab starts before he's ready to rejoin the major league team.

On deck: Astros at Blue Jays - Houston Chronicle
The Astros play a four-game series in Toronto beginning Thursday night.. Entering play Wednesday, Astros pitchers led the majors in strikeouts (861, 45 more than the Dodgers), and Astros hitters had the fewest strikeouts (566, 16 fewer than the Indians). First baseman Justin Smoak will start for the American League in Tuesday's All-Star Game. Closer Roberto Osuna converted his 20th consecutive save chance in Wednesday's 7-6 win over the Yankees and has a 47:3 strikeout/walk ratio in 34 innings this season. ...

What To Make Of Astros Having Most HRs And Fewest Strikeouts
This kind of offensive profile would mean that the Astros are striking out a whole bunch, right? Strikeouts are more common than ever, as ...

Astros bring red-hot offense to Toronto (Jul 06, 2017) | FOX Sports
TORONTO -- The Houston Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays are each riding winning streaks, but the similarity ends there.

MLB News

Aaron Judge tied Joe DiMaggio’s rookie record - SBNation.com
In Thursday’s Say Hey, Baseball, we take a look at the latest awesome thing Aaron Judge has done, the longest pitcher home run since 2015, an the watchability of Clayton Kershaw.

Clayton Kershaw is baseball’s most marketable player - SBNation.com
The Dodgers’ left-hander is more consistently excellent than anyone else in the sport, and his schedule is more convenient, too.

2017 MLB Home Run Derby bracket set: Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge are top 2 seeds - SBNation.com
The top two seeds for the MLB Home Run Derby are Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge.

Logan Morrison was wrong to call out Gary Sanchez for Home Run Derby selection - SBNation.com
Logan Morrison wanted to be a part of the Home Run Derby, but wasn’t selected. He called out Gary Sanchez, who was. That was a mistake.

Eric Thames says he never got a call for the Home Run Derby - Brew Crew Ball
We knew the bearded slugger wasn’t participating in this year’s derby, but now we know he wasn’t even invited.