Jose Altuve’s comments on Hao-Yu Lee might convince Tigers fans his surge will stick

In a year that has on the whole been a disappointment for the Detroit Tigers, there have at least been a few bright spots to point to. The recent surge of infielder Hao-Yu Lee has been a fun development, and Houston Astros veteran Jose Altuve’s comments suggest it may not be a fluke.

The Tigers recently faced the Astros and Altuve was asked what he thought about the 25-year-old Lee. He said, “I really like the way he swings the bat. He’s always on time and he tries to put the ball in the air, he’s not just trying to make weak contact. Hopefully he gets better and better and he has lots of success in the league."

That’s some nice praise from a guy like Altuve who has had a great career. If he sees some promise in Lee then maybe he could be a more serious part of the Tigers roster going forward.

Hao-Yu Lee's hot streak may not be a fluke for Tigers

Perhaps Altuve sees a little bit of himself in Lee. Both guys are slightly shorter infielders who don’t have a ton of pop but can really get going when they’re feeling it at the plate.

Enetering play on Friday, Lee is hitting .255/.292/.401 with four home runs and 15 RBI, but that does not tell the full story. In his last 15 games, he’s hitting .289/.333/.467 with two homer and five RBI.

He’s definitely trending upwards and is quickly becoming a lineup fixture. If he keeps on raking, manager A.J. Hinch will have no choice but to keep him in the lineup.

There are some worrisome signs though. His strikeout to walk ratio is not ideal, as he’s struck out 35 times in 128 at-bats with only six walks. He’s clearly a guy who likes to swing the bat and put the ball in play but, as Altuve said, he still makes quality contact more often than not and can drive the ball.

With how inconsistent Zach McKinstry has been this season, Lee has taken advantage of the opportunity afforded him. He may not quite be the fielder or speed threat that McKinstry is but if the Tigers ever have to decide between the two, Lee may be the superior option because of what he does at the plate.

Kevin McGonigle rightfully gets a lot of attention for what he’s done as a rookie, but if Lee can continue to hit well and build upon what he’s done as of late, he, too, could be part of Detroit’s future plans and Altuve will be proven right.

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