On Deck: Astros at Blue Jays

Share Adjust Comment Print


Astros at Blue Jays


FRIDAY, 7:07 p.m.

LHP Wade Miley (13-4, 3.13 ERA) vs. RHP Trent Thornton (4-8, 5.34 ERA)

Miley is 7-0 since his most recent loss on June 17, but during his five August starts, he has a .308 opponents’ batting average and 1.60 WHIP.

SATURDAY, 3:07 p.m.

LHP Framber Valdez (4-6, 5.14 ERA) vs. RHP Clay Buchholz (0-3, 5.87 ERA)

Valdez got a win against the Blue Jays on June 15 (6 IP, 2 runs, 4 hits). He is in his fourth stint with the Astros this season, having been sent to triple-A three times. He’s back because RHP Aaron Sanchez (right pectoral soreness) is on the injured list. On Sunday, Valdez beat the Angels (6 IP, 1 run, 2 hits)

SUNDAY, 1:07 p.m.

RHP Justin Verlander (16-5, 2.69 ERA) vs. TBA

Verlander’s run of double-digit strikeout games ended at seven on Tuesday when he was ejected from his start against Tampa Bay. Since the all-star break, he’s 6-1, 2.04 ERA, .183 opponents’ batting average, 0.78 WHIP. His season WHIP (0.80) is lowest among MLB qualifiers.


1. Having fun in H-Town

The Astros entered play Thursday with a six-game win streak, a 10-game lead in the AL West, and were just half a game behind the Yankees and Dodgers for the best record in MLB. All-star INF Alex Bregman (.290, 32 HR, 91 RBIs, 103 runs) summed it up Thursday during an interview on MLB Network: “We’ve got a ton of guys in this clubhouse that are having outstanding years, and it’s been fun to be part of.”

2. Way to go, new guy

LF Michael Brantley spent his first 10 seasons with Cleveland before joining the Astros as a free agent in the off-season. Entering play Thursday, he led all MLB qualifiers in batting average (.335), helped by a 19-game hit streak which was ended on Wednesday. Four other qualified Astros (1B Yuli Gurriel, .308; 2B Jose Altuve, .301; OF George Spinger, .294, and Bregman) were hitting above .290.

3. Look Hou’s back

Starting pitcher Aaron Sanchez is on the injured list and won’t face his former team, but other ex-Blue Jays on the Astros (stats entering play Thursday) include closer Roberto Osuna (3-3, 3.02 ERA, 31 saves), reliever Joe Biagini (5.19 ERA in six appearances for Houston), and utility player Aledmys Diaz (.271, 7 HR, 30 RBI).


(MLB rankings, yesterday’s games not included)

Toronto Stat Houston

602 (22nd) Runs 747 (4th)

203 (11th) HR 226 (4th)

38 (26th) SB 52 (18th)

.237 (29th) Avg. .276 (2nd)

.304 (28th) OBP .351 (1st)

4.73 (20th) ERA 3.68 (4th)

1.43 (24th) WHIP 1.14 (2nd)


3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Blue Jays

Among AL rookies entering play Thursday, he led in doubles (23), was second in RBIs (59), and was tied for third in runs (47).

DH/OF Yordan Alvarez, Astros

Among AL rookies entering play Thursday, he led in RBIs (62, in only 61 games), and was second in home runs (21). For the season, he had a .329 average and 1.120 OPS.


A reminder to fans attending the Saturday and Sunday games to expect loud noises from planes taking part in the CNE’s air show — and make sure to watch the startled reactions from players on the field. As for the series, Houston wins two of three.


Wins Above Replacement Leaders (yesterday’s games not included)


1. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. 1.9

2. Ken Giles 1.6

3. Bo Bichette 1.4

4. Danny Jansen 1.4

5. Trent Thornton 1.3

ASTROS1. Alex Bregman 6.2

2. Gerrit Cole 5.3

3. George Springer 4.9

4. Michael Brantley 4.7

5. Justin Verlander 4.6


1. Mike Trout LAA 8.4

2. Cody Bellinger LAD 6.9

3. Christian Yelich MILW 6.7

4. Jacob deGrom NYM 6.3

5. Xander Bogaerts BOS 6.3


This Week's Flyers

