Houston Astros: The two biggest X-Factors for the team’s playoff run
By T.A. Mock
Carlos Correa, SS
In nearly every way, Carlos Correa is having the worst season of his career. Sure, he was hurt and missed significant time once again but unlike other seasons, he was never able to capture lightning in a bottle either before or after the injury like he has been able to do in the past.
Currently, Correa has been held out of five straight games without any official reason why. There have been rumors of his back flaring up again but no official word from the Houston Astros. In all likelihood, it isn’t a serious injury they’re just being extra cautious to ensure he’ll be ready to play come October.
There is also the possibility the team is wanting to get a lot of work done on his swing and are giving him time off to work on that. In actuality, I bet there is some extra precaution with his back and that they’re trying to give him time to get right for the playoffs in all facets of his game.
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The Astros have managed an extremely potent offense without much production from their star shortstop. Correa is hitting a dismal .238/.323/.400 at the plate this season. He is also on pace to have his fewest amount of home runs and RBIs. The lone bright spot is he currently leads the league in sacrifice flies.
If Correa can get himself right in time for the playoffs, this offense is going to be absolutely insane. Adding his effective bat to the middle of the order would, without a doubt, make this the most dangerous lineup in the league. Without his production, the Houston Astros just have a very good lineup. With his production, the lineup will be elite and unstoppable.