ASTROS-DODGERS PREVIEW
Validation vs. vindication: Astros-Dodgers series breakdown
Jul 28, 2020, 10:24 am
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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The Houston Astros (37-30) aim to close out their series against the Chicago White Sox (23-45) on a high note Thursday night at Daikin Park. The three-game set is currently tied 1-1, and with a chance to secure their 11th series win at home, the Astros will send left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET.
Valdez (6-4, 3.07 ERA) has quietly been one of the most consistent arms in the American League. Known for his heavy sinker and ground-ball inducing style, he enters the night with a stellar 1.06 WHIP and 84 strikeouts. With the Astros bullpen having absorbed some heavy usage earlier this week, Valdez will be counted on to give Houston quality length.
Opposing him will be right-hander Davis Martin (2-6, 3.62 ERA), who has pitched better than his win-loss record suggests. Martin has maintained a 1.21 WHIP and will try to quiet an Astros lineup that broke out for 10 runs in Wednesday’s win.
Houston’s offense has been led lately by Jeremy Peña, who is batting .439 over his last 10 games with five doubles, two homers, and six RBIs. Isaac Paredes continues to be a steady power threat, leading the team with 14 home runs and a .468 slugging percentage. José Altuve, fresh off his 2,300th career hit, adds veteran stability to the top of the order.
The Astros are 23-13 at home this season and have gone 6-4 over their last 10 games. When they avoid giving up home runs, they win — as shown by their 20-4 record in games where they keep the ball in the yard. That will be a key Thursday against a White Sox team that’s light on power but capable of grinding out runs when they out-hit opponents (16-9 when doing so).
Chicago, meanwhile, has struggled mightily on the road, going just 7-27 away from Guaranteed Rate Field. Still, they’ve had unexpected success against the Astros this season, winning three of the first five matchups. Andrew Benintendi and Mike Tauchman have been among the few bright spots in a lineup that’s hit just .227 over its last 10 games and been outscored by six runs.
With the series on the line and the division-leading Astros looking to stay hot, Thursday night offers a chance to assert their edge with a trusted ace on the hill and momentum building in the lineup.
Here's a preview of the Astros lineup for the finale!
For the series.
⚾️: 7:10 PM
🏟️: Closed
📺: @SpaceCityHN
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3 FM#BuiltForThis x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/WsXWQV4ZkI
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 12, 2025
Christian Walker remains in the five spot after his big night in Game 2. Victor Caratini will be the DH hitting seventh behind Jake Meyers. Jose Altuve is shifting back to left field, with Jacob Melton getting the night off. And Brendan Rodgers will hit last and play second base.
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