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ANALYSIS: It’s about time Jose Altuve got a bit of help in the Astros lineup. Eventually George Springer will get going and find his niche once again, which lies in the form of eye-opening power. But until he gets hot, Luis Valbuena is virtually the only guy giving Altuve some support in Houston other than Jake Marisnick. In the midst of Nelson Cruz unleashing his elite power, Valbuena has shown that he can fill the HR column as well.
Valbuena’s average doesn’t jump off the chart but he’s leading the team in HR and RBI. The true question is whether his power numbers are sustainable. His previous season high is just 16 but he’s already posted five HR with a 405 ft. no-doubter. On pace to shatter his previous season high, it’s a mystery whether this HR uptick is legitimate or of the "flash in the pan" variety.
For now, hitting directly behind the doubles machine of Jose Altuve will open up a ton of RBI opportunities for Valbuena and if he can continue to produce, he could prove very valuable. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues in search of a 2B or 3B may want to ride Valbuena’s hot streak before he gets picked up off the waiver wire.
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