A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Cathedral: Astros September Review and Playoff Preview

Record: 21-8 (101-61) 21 games up

Average: Josh Reddick (.391)

Doubles: Marwin Gonzalez (11)

Triples: Cameron Maybin, Josh Reddick (1)

Home Runs: Brian McCann, George Springer (5)

Runs Batted In: Alex Bregman (18)

Stolen Bases: Cameron Maybin (4)

Walks: George Springer (15)

Strikeouts: Carlos Correa (21)

On Base Percentage: Josh Reddick (.459)

Slugging Percentage: Josh Reddick (.594)

On Base Plus Slugging: Josh Reddick (1.053)

Wins: Justin Verlander (5)

Losses: Chris Devenski, Dallas Keuchel (2)

Earned Run Average: Justin Verlander (1.06)

Saves: Ken Giles (7)

Innings Pitched: Justin Verlander (34)

Hits: Dallas Keuchel (27)

Earned Runs: Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers (10)

Home Runs: Dallas Keuchel, Brad Peacock, Justin Verlander (4)

Walks: Dallas Keuchel (12)

Strikeouts: Justin Verlander (43)

Walks Plus Hits Per Inning Pitched: Justin Verlander (0.647)

September was a big change from the low point of August. The Astros finally got almost completely healthy (the notable exceptions of McCullers and the loss of Marisnick). Speaking of Marisnick, I'm really bummed about his injury. He may not have the biggest numbers, though this year was his best, but I love his presence on the team. It seems like every time he plays he makes a difference. I think he will be missed in the playoffs, though hopefully he can return if they advance far enough.

The Astros were able to wrap up the division fairly early, and so most of the month was about getting guys right for the playoffs. Verlander had a heck of a month, almost reminiscent of Randy Johnson in 1998. Correa was slow to getting back from injury, but really started to heat up towards the end of the month. Altuve cemented another 200 hit season and another batting title (do people outside Houston recognize that he is the best hitter in the game? Will he get his much-deserved MVP?). The final two series saw the offense finally start to click, something that will hopefully carry over into October.

It was great to officially knock out the Rangers, in commanding style, and to win 3 out of 4 against the Division Series opponent on their home turf. Of course, records go out the window and anything can happen in the playoffs. With Verlander, Keuchel, Peacock, and presumably McHugh, I think the rotation will be okay. I also really like where the offense is right now. That means the bullpen will be the key to a long playoff run. If Devo, Harris, Musgrove, Giles, and company can pitch like they did in the first half, I like our chances.

Overall Grade: A-