Dezenzo went 1-for-2 with an RBI, two walks and two runs scored Wednesday against the Brewers. Dezenzo's playing time was already ticking up, but it's even more secure with Yordan Alvarez (hand) sidelined. He has started four of five games with Alvarez out of the lineup, during which Dezenzo has gone 4-for-12 with two doubles, three walks, four RBI and six runs scored.
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Dezenzo went 1-for-2 with an RBI, two walks and two runs scored Wednesday against the Brewers. Dezenzo's playing time was already ticking up, but it's even more secure with Yordan Alvarez (hand) sidelined. He has started four of five games with Alvarez out of the lineup, during which Dezenzo has gone 4-for-12 with two doubles, three walks, four RBI and six runs scored.
Diaz went 1-for-5 with a double and two RBI on Wednesday. Diaz capped off a nine-run effort from the Astros' lineup, sending a double to left field to drive in two in the ninth inning. That extended his hitting streak to six games, during which he's gone 9-for-25 with four RBI, one home run and four runs scored. Diaz is still hitting just .222 across 121 plate appearances for the season, but his performance is picking up.
Pena went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, two runs scored and four RBI in Wednesday's 9-1 win over the Brewers. The big blow from the shortstop was a three-run blast in the sixth inning off Elvin Rodriguez, Pena's fifth long ball of the season. After a sluggish start to the season at the plate, Pena has hit safely in 24 of the last 26 games, boosting his slash line on the season to .279/.340/.434 with five steals, 16 RBI and 19 runs.
Valdez (2-4) picked up the win in Wednesday's 9-1 victory over the Brewers, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out seven. The southpaw delivered his fifth quality start of the season on 101 pitches (59 strikes), with only a solo shot by Eric Haase in the fifth inning marring his line. Valdez generated 33 called or swinging strikes as he snapped a four-decision losing streak, and he'll take a 3.94 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 44:17 K:BB through 48 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Royals.
Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Alvarez has been diagnosed with a muscle strain on the top of his right hand and is hoping to be activated from the 10-day injured list when first eligible May 13, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Alvarez needs a bit of rest, but the goal is for him to rejoin the Astros early next week for the second game of a three-game set against the Royals. Jose Altuve has made two starts at designated hitter and Yainer Diaz has been in the DH spot once since Alvarez was placed on the IL on Monday.
Smith is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Milwaukee. Smith started the first two games of the series but will grab a seat in Wednesday's finale. The rookie outfielder's playing time has been trending downward the last two weeks, as he's started only seven of the past 13 contests. Smith is just 4-for-23 with a 33.3 percent strikeout rate over that span.
Smith went 1-for-3 with a double Tuesday against the Brewers. Smith's playing time has fluctuated lately as he sat two games over Houston's weekend series against the White Sox. However, he's re-entered the lineup for two consecutive matchups to begin the team's new series against Milwaukee and delivered only his second double of the season Tuesday. While Smith hasn't been particularly useful for fantasy purposes, he has offset a 30.2 percent strikeout rate with a 9.4 percent walk rate and .153 ISO across 96 plate appearances.
Wesneski (1-3) took the loss Tuesday against the Brewers, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three in four innings. All the damage against Wesneski came in the opening frame and with two outs. Rhys Hoskins doubled in a pair of runs before Jake Bauers tacked on two more with a home run to center. Wesneski was able to navigate his way through three more innings before his day was finished at 80 pitches. Tuesday was the first time he's failed to reach five innings in an outing this season, and it was his first time since his debut he's issued multiple walks. With the Astros back down to their usual five-starter rotation, Wesneski is set to take the bump next week against the Royals.
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