3 September Call-Ups Who Can Help Astros Clinch the Best Record in Baseball
By Parker White
The Houston Astros and New York Yankees are battling it out for the best record in the American League. For both teams, it's vitally important they have home-field advantage if these two teams square off in the ALCS.
If the Astros move on and have to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, they'll obviously also want the series to start in Houston as well.
So, here are three September call-ups who can help the Astros clinch the best record in baseball.
3. INF Jack Mayfield
One thing the Astros need to do to make sure they finish strong is keep their infield healthy and intact. Infielder Jack Mayfield, who is hitting .294 with 21 home runs at Triple-A, could be a useful player down the stretch to make sure the likes of Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa have full health. Mayfield didn't duplicate this during his short stint in the bigs, but his hit tool is too much to ignore.
2. RHP Forrest Whitley
Top pitching prospect Forrest Whitley hasn't been as dominant as the Astros were hoping down in the minors, but his arm talent is too much to overlook. His fastball tops out in the upper-90's and his changeup is absolutely devastating. Whether they use him at the back end of the rotation or in the bullpen, Whitley can help Houston shut down games in September.
1. OF Kyle Tucker
It's basically a done deal this will happen, but top overall prospect Kyle Tucker is too much of a beast at the dish to not bring up late in the season. At Triple-A, Tucker has 32 home runs, 91 RBI and a .932 OPS. He's a stud and can step in a starting role if need be and still give the Astros' middle-of-the-order production.