Dubón Stays Red Hot for Houston Astros, Extends Impressive Hitting Streak

The Houston Astros entered the 2023 season with one of the most dominant lineups top to bottom.

At this stage of the season, it would have been logical to expect the likes of Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez or Jeremy Peña to boast a lengthy hitting streak.

But Mauricio Dubón?

Not likely.

Dubón had two hits in Tuesday’s 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays to extend his hitting streak to a Major League-best 19 games.

With a hit Wednesday, Dubón would own the Astros’ longest hitting streak since Hunter Pence’s 23-game streak in 2011.

Bregman, Alvarez or the injured Jose Altuve haven’t reached a hitting streak this long.

“Close my eyes and pray,” Dubón joked. “And it’s been working.”

Dubón has taken full advantage of this playing time with Altuve sidelined for eight-to-12 weeks with a broken right thumb.

To put up these types of numbers in place of an eight-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion is amazing.

Dubón is hitting .329 with an OPS of .772. More important than statistics, he’s giving the Astros a huge lift when they need it most.

When Altuve ultimately returns to the lineup, manager Dusty Baker will have a difficult time leaving Dubón out.

It’s a terrific situation for the Astros.

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