Jo Adell has finally broken through in Week 24, delivering 5 homers and 13 RBI while slashing .306/.346/.653 over a two-week window, aided by career-best 91.5 mph exit velocity and 49.4% hard-hit rate. His strikeout rate has dropped to 25.9%, boosting his fantasy appeal as a late-season asset. Ryan Pepiot has kept rolling, posting a 3.59 ERA and a minuscule BABIP in the last trio of starts, with 14 of 15 Ks coming on his fastball-changeup punch. Jose Altuve has cooled in August (.212/.288/.386) as BABIP cratered and whiffs rose, yet the Astros continue to lean on him atop a strong lineup. Luis Castillo has stumbled in the second half (5.17 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) with more hard contact and HRs, making him a riskier roto option but potentially fine in points leagues.
Pepiot’s recent efficiency hinges on a simplified mix around his four-seamer and changeup, a trend that could persist against favorable matchups. Altuve remains a high-floor player whose track record suggests a rebound, though owners should temper expectations in shallow playoffs. Castillo’s durability and HR exposure require careful matchup play, especially in roto where ratios bite harder.
Overall, Adell stands out as a proven power-hitter with upside the rest of the season; Pepiot is a hot hand worth riding in specific starts; Altuve and Castillo carry more risk, but can still contribute in the right settings.
