Astros April Review

Record: 16-9 (16-9) 3 games up

Average: Yulieski Gurriel (.329)

Doubles: Yulieski Gurriel (6)

Triples: Josh Reddick (1)

Home Runs: George Springer (7)

Runs Batted In: George Springer and Evan Gattis (14)

Stolen Bases: Jose Altuve (7)

Walks: Jose Altuve and Brian McCann (11)

Strikeouts: Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer (23)

On Base Percentage: Jose Altuve (.402)

Slugging Percentage: Evan Gattis (.518)

On Base Plus Slugging: Evan Gattis (.918)

Wins: Dallas Keuchel (5)

Losses: Charlie Morton and Joe Musgrove (2)

Earned Run Average: Dallas Keuchel (1.21)

Saves: Ken Giles (6)

Innings Pitched: Dallas Keuchel (44.2)

Hits: Charlie Morton and Joe Musgrove (30)

Earned Runs: Joe Musgrove (15)

Home Runs: Mike Fiers (8)

Walks: Dallas Keuchel (11)

Strikeouts: Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers (36)

Walks Plus Hits Per Inning Pitched: Dallas Keuchel (0.81)

The Astros find themselves in first place at the end of April, three games above the Angels.  It's been a month built on depth, something that would not have been said after the first home stand.  Then, it looked like they could only win on pitching and home runs.  Once they went on the road, the rest of the hitting turned around.  In a matter of five days, they came back from two five run deficits, something they had not done in nearly a decade.  They have been equally good at home (8-5) and on the road (7-4).  They've been able to deal with their share of injuries.  First, it was Jake Marisnick, who was hitting better than he ever had.  Then, George Springer and Jose Altuve missed a few games.  All the while, Collin McHugh has not pitched an inning yet, and looks to be a ways away (at least three weeks away from pitching).

The team MVP would have to be Dallas Keuchel, who has been fantastic over six starts with a league-best 5-0 record.  He also has the third best ERA (1.21) and eighth best WHIP (0.81).  Overall, the pitching has been fine, with Will Harris, Chris Devenski, and Brad Peacock pitching especially well out of the bullpen.  As expected, if they are to maintain their winning ways, they will have to upgrade the rotation.  They especially need to replace Mike Fiers, who has been bad over four starts (0-1, 5.12 ERA, 1.603 WHIP, only 19.1 innings).

George Springer carried the team in the first week, jumping out to seven home runs in the first fourteen games.  At the time he started to cool off, Jose Altuve and Yulieski Gurriel started to hit.  They have also had important contributions by Brian McCann, Evan Gattis, and Josh Reddick.

May outlook:  They start with four games against the hated Rangers before a quick trip to Anaheim.  After two games hosting the Braves, they head east for a week to face the Yankees and Marlins.  A lengthy home stand sees the Indians, Tigers, and Orioles come to Houston before they finish the month with a trip to Minnesota.  It's a tricky schedule, with some good teams on the horizon.  I'd be happy with a 17-12 record.

Overall Grade: A-