Texas Rangers “Eye on the Enemy”: 3 Astros players to look out for

May 15, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) reacts after throwing to first base after forcing out Texas Rangers shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (9) at second base in the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) reacts after throwing to first base after forcing out Texas Rangers shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (9) at second base in the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
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Texas Rangers Yuli Gurriel
May 12, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel (10) gestures as he crosses home plate after hitting a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Yuli Gurriel is a “menace.”

Last but most definitely not least, “Climbing Tal’s Hill” felt quite inclined to remind me just how good Yuli Gurriel has been for the Astros this season.

In fact, the exact wording they used was: “Yuli Gurriel is also a menace.”

I can’t say I necessarily disagree with them.

Currently slashing .333/.402/.564 with a .966 OPS, Gurriel is firmly planted towards the top of a handful of different MLB statistical categories. His 37 RBIs rank second in all of baseball behind the likes of Trey Mancini, he has the fourth best batting average in the American League, and both his OBP and SLG rank towards the top as well.

Gurriel also leads all of baseball with 15 doubles.

Outside of Gurriel, the Astros have four other players hitting .300+. Jordan Alvarez, Michael Brantley, Alex Bregman, and Jose Altuve are all smoking hot at the moment, and will collectively be looking to do some serious damage against the Texas Rangers pitching staff this weekend.

It’s undoubtedly going to be a tough weekend for the Rangers, a weekend that gives the team another opportunity to evaluate where they’re at in terms of their rebuilding status. Trade rumors have been flying left and right as of late – a hypothetical sweep at the hands of Houston could jolt the front office into action.

And make sure to go toss @astrosCTH a follow on Twitter, we’re all one big Texas family after all.

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