George Springer Just 2nd Astros Leadoff Hitter with 20-Homer Season

The leadoff spot isn't generally occupied by a player possessing considerable power. Then again, not many teams have the wealth of bats in the lineup the Houston Astros currently enjoy.

While not the prototypical leadoff hitter, George Springer tops the Astros' batting order on a nightly basis. Springer went deep for the 20th time this season during Monday evening's game against the Oakland Athletics, the second time in two seasons he's done so.

Springer is just the second leadoff hitter in franchise history to notch a 20-homer season, per the Elias Sports Bureau (via ESPN). Hall of Famer Craig Biggio did the same as the leading man for Houston in the 1990s and 2000s, accumulating four such seasons. 

After batting in various spots among the top four in his first two MLB seasons, Springer finally settled atop the Astros' batting order part way through last season. He proceeded to smack 20 of his 29 homers out of the leadoff spot in 2016, adding nine steals.

He's discovered a new level of power early in 2017, collecting 20 homers through 65 games. His production has earned him a spot among the top three outfielders in All-Star voting with a little over a week remaining, per MLB.com. If he were to be named to the team, it would mark his first-ever appearance.

Springer has had a big hand in the Astros' success thus far this season. As the All-Star break begins to approach, Houston owns the best record in the majors and a 12-game lead (the largest division lead) over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for the top spot in the AL West.

The club has slowed a bit recently, going just 4-6 in the last 10 games. However, Springer and the Astros took the first of a four-game set against the Oakland Athletics on Monday and will attempt to build on it Tuesday.