ASTROS-DODGERS PREVIEW

Validation vs. vindication: Astros-Dodgers series breakdown

Validation vs. vindication: Astros-Dodgers series breakdown
Composite image by Brandon Strange.
Top 3 takeaways from the Astros 2020 season schedule

PROBABLE STARTERS

Tues. July 28: Walker Buehler vs. Framber Valdez

Wed. July 29: Dustin May vs. TBD

STORYLINES

  • The Astros and Dodgers meet up for the first time since the sign-stealing saga gripped the baseball universe. While both teams are trying to get their feet under them still, the fan bases will undoubtedly use the series for bragging rights. Dodgers fans will seek vindication for having a title stolen from them by the "cheatin' 'Stros," while Astros fans will seek validation that a trash can wasn't the World Series MVP in 2017, and that their hometown nine are just really good.
  • Who will the Astros tab to replace Justin Verlander's spot in the rotation? The ace is on the shelf for at least two weeks but probably longer. With one ace from 2019 in New York and another on the IL, the once scary Astros staff is now filled with question marks.
  • Will the Dodgers throw at some Astro hitters for payback? Whether players had scathing things to say publicly or not, all of them know that technological sign-stealing was rampant league-wide. If anyone on the Astros gets hit, it won't be for revenge in my opinion.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

  • Roster sizes will continue to shrink as the season goes on, and there will be some competitive battles for roster spots at the back end. Between Will Harris departing for Washington, Hector Rondon going to Arizona, Joe Smith opting out of the season, Roberto Osuna getting to camp late, and Josh James having to fill in the rotation, the bullpen is unrecognizable from seasons past. Rookies Enoli Paredes and Blake Taylor have impressed in the early going, while Bryan Abreu impressed enough last year to make the postseason roster. Look for Astros manager Dusty Baker to test the young guns against the Dodgers and see what they're made of. If the young guns stand up to the test, Chris Devenski and Joe Biagini's days in orange and blue could be numbered.
  • Can Kyle Tucker earn an everyday spot in the lineup? Through four games, the touted prospect has only gotten his name tabbed twice. He'll need to start living up to his prospect billing if he wants to get any type of run once Yordan Alvarez comes back to claim his DH role
  • How much longer until George Springer breaks out of his early season slump? Springer only has one hit through four games, albeit the hit was a no-doubt home run onto the train tracks. Later this week, I'll break down Springer's early season struggles at the plate.

PREDICTION

Through three games, no team in baseball was undefeated. The Dodgers come to Houston with a 2-2 record after splitting with the lowly San Francisco Giants. In an already unpredictable sport, this season is even more unpredictable. The Astros and Dodgers will split, leaving fans no choice but to wait until the teams meet again to settle their sign-stealing beef.

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Jeremy Peña is having success hitting fourth. Photo by Kevin M. Cox/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros host the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night looking to keep momentum rolling and hand the Jays their fifth straight loss. First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. EDT at Daikin Park.

Both teams enter the matchup with nearly identical records—Houston at 12-11, Toronto at 12-12—but they’re trending in opposite directions. The Astros have won six of their last ten and boast an 8-6 record at home, while the Blue Jays have dropped four straight and are just 4-7 on the road.

Ryan Gusto gets the start for Houston, entering with a 2-1 record, a 3.18 ERA, and 17 strikeouts across three appearances. He’ll go up against Bowden Francis, who brings a 3.13 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP into the game, along with 20 strikeouts in his four starts.

Jeremy Peña continues to spark the Astros lineup with three homers and three doubles, while catcher Yainer Diaz has added timely hits despite a recent slump. For Toronto, George Springer leads the team with a .333 average, and Bo Bichette has been steady at the plate, going 14-for-45 over his last 10 games.

The Blue Jays have found success when they out-hit opponents, going 10-3 in those games—but Houston’s pitching staff has held opponents to just a 2.86 ERA over the past 10 outings.

The betting line has Toronto as slight road favorites at -120, with Houston at +100 and the over/under set at 8 runs.

Here's a look at tonight's lineup. Cam Smith gets the night off in right field, with Zach Dezenzo filling in. It appears Dezenzo's thumb is fine after banging it up sliding into second base a couple of night's ago.


Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot.

Jake Myers is also getting the night off as Chas McCormick gets the start in center. And Mauricio Dubon is getting the nod, starting over Brendan Rodgers at second base.

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