How Dusty Baker plans to attack Mariners in must-win game for Astros
GAME PLAN
27 September 2023
GAME PLAN
It all comes down to this. If the Astros are able to come away with a victory on Wednesday night, they control their own destiny moving forward. But if they fall to the Mariners, they will likely have to sweep Arizona and get some help from the Rangers to have a chance at the postseason.
How big is Wednesday's game?
If the Astros lose, they would have to sweep Arizona if the Mariners just split the four games with the Rangers to finish ahead of Seattle.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) September 27, 2023
The Astros are currently a half game up on Seattle, but a loss tonight would push Houston out of the final wild card spot and give the Mariners a leg up.
How will Dusty deploy his hitters in the biggest game of the season?
Tonight's lineup is missing several key pieces to the Astros' offense. Chas McCormick and Yainer Diaz. McCormick might be out of the lineup due to getting hit by a pitch on Tuesday night. And Diaz's only shot at playing was hitting DH, with Martin Maldonado catching for Framber Valdez as he has done all season.
Baseball at night.
🕗: 8:40 PM
📺: @ATTSportsNetSW
📻: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3 FM pic.twitter.com/8lSDFeq8Xc
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 27, 2023
In what could be a silver lining, Michael Brantley has returned to play left field, with Yordan Alvarez sliding over to the DH spot. And once again Dusty Baker is sticking to his guns with Jose Abreu hitting 5th once again.
Let's hope Framber Valdez has one of his classic performances, because runs could be tough to come by if the top 4 guys in the lineup don't come through with big performances.
Let's go get this one! Go Astros!
ESPN insider, DJ Bien-Aime shares his thoughts on the amount of injuries the Texans are dealing with and how that could prevent them from securing a victory over the Packers this weekend.
Not practicing today for #Texans Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To'oTo'o, Robert Woods, Kamari Lassiter, Jimmie Ward, Foley Fatukasi.
Practicing: Laremy Tunsil, Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce @KPRC2 https://t.co/y8MzIvU13P
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 16, 2024
The Texans may have to start their third string linebacker this week, Neville Hewitt, if both Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o are unable to play.
Plus, corner Kamari Lassiter is not likely to play in a matchup against several quality Green Bay receivers.
Be sure to watch the video above for the full discussion!