Astros: Hard to ignore Marwin Gonzalez’s performance

The Astros are playing well right now. Both the pitchers are hitters are performing up to standards. One of the top hitters is Marwin Gonzale.

The Houston Astros are first in the American League West. The starting pitchers are limiting runs, the bullpen is holding those leads and the offense is putting up enough runs. One Astros batter that is doing more than his fair share is Marwin Gonzalez. If you are looking for power and contact, he is someone worth adding.

Gonzalez isn’t an everyday starter but is making a case for himself. Manager A.J. Hinch is having a hard time leaving him out of the lineup, according to CBS Sports.

"“I’m not keeping him out of the lineup,” Hinch said. “I’m finding ways to get him in and it’s costing other guys playing time.”"

In 70 at-bats, Gonzalez has nine home runs, 21 RBI and a .271 average. He also has just 15 strikeouts, 11 walks and a .381 on-base percentage. Gonzalez has first base, third base and outfield eligibility in ESPN leagues. Check your league settings, though.

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From April 30 to May 4 (he did not play May 1), Gonzales hit five home runs with 12 RBI, including a game-winning grand slam on May 2.

Gonzalez did not play in the May 7 game because of a foot injury. He was struck in the foot with a pitch during Saturday night’s game.The Astros have an off-day on Monday, so the extra day rest will likely help. He isn’t scheduled for an MRI.

The Astros have an off-day on Monday, so the extra day rest will likely help. He isn’t scheduled for an MRI.

The Astros made a few big-time moves this offseason. They brought in Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Josh Reddick. They have 10 home runs and 52 RBI in their combined 300 at-bats as of this writing.

The only negative to Gonzalez’s game is the ground ball rate. He hits the ball on the ground 50 percent of the time. The upside is that he hit the ball into the air about 41 percent with an 8.9 percent line drive rate. This could mean a regression in power but his O-swing rate (swing rate at pitches out of the strike zone) is 26.9 percent and is making good contact on pitches inside the zone.

Fantasy owners, at least in ESPN leagues, have jumped on this bandwagon. His ownership percentage went up 46 percent over the last week, which began before his recent power surge. Those owners picked him up at the right time.

Next: Zach Britton back on 10-day DL

Now, if you believe in the power, or even just the contact, then this is your chance to make up for not adding him last week. When he’s healthy, it looks like he will be getting regular at-bats as long as he hits. Pick him up until the fire is put out.