Red Sox at Astros
The Boston Red Sox look to win for the fifth time in six contests when they visit the Houston Astros on Friday for the opener of their three-game series. Houston is looking to rebound after it dropped back-to-back contests to the Chicago White Sox following a stretch during which it won 12 of its previous 13.
The Astros won't have it easy when it comes to regaining their form as Boston's Chris Sale has registered 51 strikeouts over 26 1/3 innings in his last four starts. But Houston did score three runs and recorded four hits on Sunday versus Sale, who was not involved in the decision of the Red Sox's 4-3 triumph. Boston hopes to have slugger J.D. Martinez (illness/back) in the lineup after he missed the entire four-game series in Toronto during which the Red Sox posted three wins. The Astros managed just four singles in Thursday's 4-0 loss to the visiting Chicago White Sox and had just one at-bat with runners in scoring position.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (1-5, 4.31 ERA) vs. Astros LH Wade Miley (4-2, 3.51)
Sale recorded 10 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings against the Astros but struggled with his control, issuing a season-high five walks. The 30-year-old Floridian is 5-2 with a 2.12 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in eight career outings versus Houston. Sale is 1-3 with a 4.18 ERA in five road starts this season.
Miley did not factor in the decision opposite Sale last time out as he allowed three runs - two earned - and seven hits in five innings. The 32-year-old won his previous three turns and has made six straight starts without a loss since falling to Oakland on April 17. Miley is 2-2 with a 6.35 ERA in five career starts against the Red Sox as he has struggled with Mookie Betts (6-for-11, one homer) and Steve Pearce (7-for-21, two).
WALK-OFFS
1. The Red Sox saw Thursday's flight from Toronto diverted to Detroit due to a mechanical issue before boarding a new plane and continuing to Houston.
2. Houston OF George Springer (back) is expected to return to the lineup after missing the four-game series with the White Sox.
3. Boston placed Tyler Thornburg (hip) on the 10-day injured list and recalled fellow RHP Travis Lakins from Triple-A Pawtucket.