Despite hitting a slight rough stretch over the last two weeks or so, the Houston Astros are still in first place in the American League West with roughly 30 games left in the regular season.
Houston is 10-13 in August, but Yordan Alvarez was activated off the 60-day IL and played his first games this week since early May. Injuries continue to hold the team back in some respect, but others may also be returning soon, with Jake Meyers going on a rehab assignment this week.
Two Astros' veterans have stepped up their game in August
Something notable from this week is Cam Smith being left out of the lineup due to a horrid slump. However, more important contributors like Christian Walker and Carlos Correa have been more productive in the month of August.
Walker specifically may be finding his power stroke. He entered August with just 13 home runs, but has six this month and three long balls in his last six games. Walker signed a three-year, $60 million deal with Houston this offseason, but has not been his usual 30+ home run self. With 19 on the season, he has the chance to get hot at the right time for the Astros, right before a potentially deep playoff run.
Both Walker and Carlos Correa have been on fire in the second half of the season. Walker's OPS has crept above .700, while Correa has a .867 OPS with the Astros in 23 games, including three home runs and three doubles.
Both veteran players are so vital in the Astros' stretch run. Houston is 72-60 and has gone through some rough stretches, but has proven their resilience over the past 7 seasons and poses a real threat in the American League playoff picture.