Let’s take a look at the best performances in the Astros system in August.
*Just a note, these are my picks for the month*
Previous POTM:
AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys
HITTER: Pedro Leon, OF
- August Stats: 24 G, .232 BA/.308 OBP/.505 SLG, 6 2B, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 2 SB
Leon hasn’t really broken out the season but has been maintaining a decent line in 2023. In August, Leon played in 24 games connecting on 6 doubles and 6 homers. While he only hit .232, he had an OPS over .800 with 20 RBI in 24 games.
PITCHER: Joe Record, RHP
- August Stats: 12 G, 2.70 ERA, 13.1 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 9 BB, 16 SO
Record has had a really strong season in relief for Sugar Land. He was given the closer role and took off in that spot. In August, the right-hander had a 2.70 ERA picking up 16 strikeouts in 13.1 innings.
AA: Corpus Christi Hooks
HITTER: Will Wagner, INF
- August Stats: 20 G, .309 BA/.404 OBP/.519 SLG, 6 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 12 RBI, SB
Wagner struggled with some injuries this season, but when healthy he has performed well. In August, Wagner hit .309 with 10 XBH in 20 games. He also posted a solid on-base percentage at .404.
PITCHER: Rhett Kouba, RHP
- August Stats: 5 G, 1.82 ERA, 24.2 IP, 24 H, 5 ER, 8 BB, 24 SO
Kouba started four games in August in Double-A posting a 2.29 ERA. He was then promoted to Sugar Land where he 1 unearned run over 5 innings in his one start. Overall, the right-hander had a 1.82 ERA with 24 K in 24.2 innings in August.
A+: Asheville Tourists
HITTER: Zach Cole, OF
- August Stats: 26 G, .253 BA/.351 OBP/.474 SLG, 4 2B, 3B, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 7 SB
Cole received a promotion to Asheville and had a solid month of August. The left-handed hitting outfielder connected on 10 XBH in 26 games and also picked up 7 stolen bases. Overall he had a .825 OPS.
PITCHER: Nic Swanson, RHP
- August Stats: 5 G, 2.82 ERA, 25.1 IP, 11 H, 8 ER, 8 BB, 23 K
Asheville is always a tough place to pitch but Swanson put together a strong month posting a 2.82 ERA in 25.1 innings. He allowed just a .126 BAA as he was almost unhittable during the month of August.
A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers
HITTER: Garret Guillemette, C
- August Stats: 21 G, .263 BA/.352 OBP/.434 SLG, 4 2B, 3 HR, 11 RBI
Guillemette has been one of the better performers from the 2023 draft class so far. The catcher hit .263 with 7 XBH and 11 RBI in August. He also posted 7 BB/10 K in 21 games during the month.
PITCHER: Jose Fleury, RHP
- August Stats: 6 G, 2.55 ERA, 24.2 IP, 14 H, 7 ER, 9 BB, 39 K
Fleury put together a really good month of August. The right-hander posted a 2.55 ERA while striking out 39 in 24.2 innings. He also allowed just a .161 BAA in August. He’s been a breakout prospect so far.
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