ASTROS-MARINERS GAME PREVIEW
Crucial elements in Astros' push to take division with win over Mariners
Sep 24, 2024, 11:45 am
Framber Valdez can help the Astros clinch the division Tuesday night. Composite Getty Image.
The Seattle Mariners (81-76) and Houston Astros (85-72) face off Tuesday night at 8:10 p.m. EDT for the second game of their crucial three-game series. The Mariners currently hold a 1-0 lead in the series after defeating Houston 6-1 on Monday.
Pitching Probables:
- Mariners: Logan Gilbert (8-11, 3.24 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 207 strikeouts) has been a strong performer for Seattle all season, boasting a WHIP under 1.00. He will look to continue dominating as the Mariners push for playoff contention.
- Astros: Framber Valdez (14-7, 2.85 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 165 strikeouts) gets the start for Houston. Valdez has been the Astros' ace this season, leading the team with 14 wins and a stellar 2.85 ERA.
Line:
- BETMGM Sportsbook: Astros -136, Mariners +115, over/under set at 7 runs.
Bottom Line:
The Mariners, 7-4 against the Astros this season, look to build on their Monday win. Seattle has struggled on the road (35-44), but their MLB-leading 3.51 ERA makes them a tough matchup for Houston. Meanwhile, the Astros are 45-34 at home and boast the third-best team batting average in MLB at .262.
Top Performers:
- Astros: Alex Bregman continues to produce for Houston, with 25 home runs and 73 RBI this season. Kyle Tucker is also in fine form, hitting 13-for-34 with three home runs over the past 10 games.
- Mariners: Julio Rodríguez remains a key player for Seattle, with 19 home runs and 17 doubles. Luke Raley has also been solid recently, going 9-for-31 with two home runs over the last 10 games.
Recent Form:
- Astros: 6-4 in their last 10 games, with a .262 team batting average and 4.45 ERA, outscoring opponents by just three runs.
- Mariners: 7-3 over their last 10 games, hitting .294 with a 3.39 team ERA, outscoring opponents by 14 runs.
Tuesday’s game will be critical for both teams as they battle for playoff positioning in the tight AL West race.
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Astros show signs of life in blowout win over Brewers
May 7, 2025, 3:25 pm
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.