Astros Yulieski Gurriel: A Must-Add in the Final Two Weeks
By Bill Pivetz
Astros have a lot of young players that will have value for years to come. The most surprising is Yulieski Gurriel. He is worth adding in the final weeks.
The Houston Astros have a lot to look forward to, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Five of their core players are under the age of 27, and producing. That is the foundation for a good future. Unfortunately, the injury bug infected one of them. With third baseman Alex Bregman likely done with a hamstring injury, Yulieski Gurriel is starting in his place and worth adding.
Gurriel was quickly brought up to the Astros roster after spending just 15 games in the minor leagues. He hit a combined .250/.262/.429 with two home runs, 14 RBI and five runs scored. Despite the poor performance, the Astros called him up on August 21.
The Astros may know something we don’t because he’s been hitting well since joining the team. In his first 25 games, he has a .307/.326/.466 line with three homers, 13 RBI and nine runs scored. The only downside to his game is the low on-base percentage. Gurriel has just three walks, but doesn’t strike out often, only 11 for the season.
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Gurriel spent his early days as the Astros designated hitter. He then began to split time with Bregman at third base while also playing at first base. As a result of the Bregman injury, Gurriel will take over third base full-time.
Gurriel hasn’t missed a game since Sept. 2 (He came in as a sixth-inning replacement at first base). He will be getting consistent playing time over the final two weeks of the season.
Other fantasy owners are jumping on board, too. He has been added in 11.1 percent of ESPN leagues over the last week. His ownership percentage is still at a lowly 32.8 percent.
The Astros are still competing for a Wild Card spot. They are three games behind the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. As long as that is the case, the Astros will continue to roll out the best lineup possible, and that includes Gurriel at third base.
Next: Ryan Dull in Line for Saves for Oakland
Gurriel is 32 years old. I don’t include him in the Astros’ future plans. Bregman is the third baseman, but that doesn’t mean Gurriel doesn’t have fantasy value. He can provide you with the power and batting average you need to win your weekly matchup in the fantasy playoffs.