WAITING FOR WESTBROOK

Now we know why Russell Westbrook hasn't made the trip to Orlando

Now we know why Russell Westbrook hasn't made the trip to Orlando
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images.

There's been speculation that the reason James Harden and Russell Westbrook have not joined the team in Orlando was because the players might have tested positive for COVID-19. Now we know that is indeed the case for Russell Westbrook. Westbrook went to Twitter on Monday and said he tested positive but is feeling well.

Earlier Monday morning Colin Cowherd and Joy Taylor talked about Harden and Westbrook remaining in Houston and had a conversation about what could be keeping them in H-Town. We now have the answer when it comes to Westbrook, and we'll see if news comes out about Harden next. You can watch Cowherd and Taylor's conversation about the Rockets below.

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The Astros host Mike Trout and the Angels this weekend. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Friday night looking to end a three-game home losing streak as they open a three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels.

Ronel Blanco takes the mound for Houston, aiming to bounce back after a rough start to his season. The right-hander is 0-1 with a 9.45 ERA and a 2.10 WHIP through his first two outings. He’ll be opposed by Angels rookie Jack Kochanowicz, who has impressed early with a 3.27 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and eight strikeouts.

The Astros enter the night at 5-7, sitting third in the AL West and still searching for offensive consistency. Despite the team’s slow start, Jose Altuve has been a bright spot, hitting .333 with three homers in his last 10 games. Yordan Alvarez, though still looking for his power stroke to fully emerge, has contributed eight RBI.

Houston will need a stronger showing at the plate to keep pace with a hot Angels squad that has won seven of its last 10. Los Angeles ranks fourth in MLB in slugging (Houston is dead last) and is led by Kyren Paris and Logan O’Hoppe, who have combined for 10 home runs over the last 10 games. The Angels have gone 6-3 on the road and are currently second in the AL West.

This is the first meeting of the season between the division rivals. The Astros are 2-1 this year when scoring five or more runs but have struggled in lower-scoring games. Meanwhile, the Angels have outscored their opponents by 15 runs over their last 10 contests.

Here's a look at the Astros lineup for Game 1:

Screenshot via: MLB.com

Shaking things up

Brendan Rodgers is hitless in his last eight at-bats, so Joe Espada is hoping Mauricio Dubon can give the offense a spark as he's hitting ninth and playing second base.

First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. EDT.

The Astros projected starters for the series:

Friday-Blanco

Saturday-Ryan Gusto

Sunday-Hayden Wesneski


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