Keen eye key to Fowler's on-base streak

HOUSTON -- Astros center fielder Dexter Fowler continued his terrific work at the plate in Saturday's win over the White Sox, going 3-for-4 with a walk, a homer and two RBIs to extend his streak of reaching base safely to 15 consecutive games.

Fowler has drawn at least one walk in seven consecutive games, which is the longest streak by an Astros player since Lance Berkman walked in seven in a row in 2009. He's hitting .303 with two homers, 10 RBIs and a .434 on-base percentage in 27 games since April 18.

"He has great strike-zone discipline," Astros manager Bo Porter said. "He sees a bunch of pitches. Some of those are tough to look at, but it goes to show you he can take a pitch."

Fowler entered the season with a career .365 on-base percentage, which perhaps is why he said he still has a ways to go before he's satisfied. He has a .372 on-base percentage this year.

"Like I always say, it's a long season, and at the end of the day, you stay healthy and your true numbers will show up," Fowler said.

Fowler hit leadoff to start the year, moved into the No. 2 spot for a while and has now settled in the No. 3 hole behind Jose Altuve and George Springer. Either way, he understands the importance of getting on base at a high clip at the top of the order.

"At my heart, I'm a leadoff guy. That's what I've always done," he said. "That's my game to get on base, any way I can. I still could have some thumps and drive in some runs as well. It's a matter of knowing the situation and just getting the right pitch you want."