Springer making case for All-Star selection
SEATTLE — If the Astros are going to have a third player make the American League All-Star team behind probable selections Dallas Keuchel and Jose Altuve, George Springer appears to be the best candidate.
The outfielder entered Sunday’s game in the top 10 among AL outfielders per FanGraphs’ wins above replacement and in the top five for AL outfielders in the 30 days leading into Sunday, when he kept it rolling.
Springer’s hitting streak reached 14 games in the Astros’ 6-2 victory over the Mariners with a 3-for-5 performance that included his 12th homer of the season — a ninth-inning solo shot to left center. The ball traveled 403 feet at an exit speed off the bat of 108 mph — the second-fastest exit speed for a Springer homer this season, according to BaseballSavant.com.
“He’s definitely All-Star worthy (of ) consideration,” said manager A.J. Hinch, who will be a member of the AL coaching staff for the All-Star Game. “There’s some talented guys out there, but he should absolutely be in the conversation.”
Springer downplayed the idea of a possible trip to Cincinnati, site of this year’s All-Star Game. He would have to go as a reserve, and while it remains a long shot, his performance is starting to warrant consideration. He was hitting .185 after play May 19 and is up to .284.
Since May 20, a span of 31 games, Springer is hitting .376 (47-for-124) with six home runs.
“No,” Springer replied when asked if he’d thought about the possibility of making the AL team. “I’m just out here trying to help us win. We’re on a good streak right now.”
Springer’s hitting streak is the second-longest active stretch in the American League behind Cleveland’s Jason Kipnis, who has a 16-game streak. Springer has a .458 average (27-for59) with four home runs and four doubles during the run.
Springer might take the charge of getting on base a bit more to heart while batting in the leadoff spot; he is hitting .381 (40-for105) with six homers and nine walks in 26 games out of the No. 1 position this season.
“I’m just hitting first. I understand that the object is to get to first base, and I think that’s helped slow me down,” Springer said. “Instead of me trying to hit a home run every single time, I understand that if I just take a nice, easy, controlled swing and get to first base for whoever’s up behind me, our offense can go.”
Altuve nearing return to lineup
There is a good chance Jose Altuve makes his return to the lineup Monday for the start of a three-game series against the Angels in Anaheim, Calif., but the Astros will wait to see how the day unfolds before making a final determination.
The second baseman was out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game Sunday but participated in pregame drills with manager A.J. Hinch and trainer Nate Lucero looking on, just as he did the day before. Sunday’s drills were more side-to-side, Altuve said, while Saturday’s focused on striding.
“I think he’s answered probably every test,” Hinch said. “There’s certain stuff we can’t do until you get into a game. But he’s making steady progress, and we’re going to get him on the field pretty soon.
“He had his helmet on (Saturday) night, was going to pinch-hit at one point. So he’s available. But I’m going to hold off starting him until at least (Monday).”
George Springer and Carlos Correa have been productive as the Nos. 1 and 2 hitters, and Altuve said he didn’t want to disrupt that dynamic upon his return to the lineup.
“Unbelievable. The best in the big leagues,” Altuve said. “If I play tomorrow, I’m going to ask A.J. to hit me eighth. Don’t mess with the top part of your lineup.”