Astros at Angels
Even without superstar Mike Trout in the lineup, the Los Angeles Angels remain on a tear since the All-Star break. Los Angeles aims for its fifth straight victory since the hiatus when it hosts the American League West-leading Houston Astros on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game series.
Trout exited Sunday's victory over Seattle with tightness in his right calf and was kept out the lineup for the series opener versus Houston after an MRI exam revealed a small strain. The 27-year-old two-time AL MVP went 0-for-1 before departing on Sunday, ending a seven-game hitting streak during which he recorded eight home runs and 18 RBIs. Albert Pujols and Kevan Smith collected three RBIs apiece while Andrelton Simmons belted a two-run homer in Monday's 9-6 win by the Angels, who have outscored their opponents 37-11 during the winning streak. George Springer went 3-for-5 with two homers and three RBIs for Houston, which fell to 2-3 on its eight-game road trip and saw its division lead over Oakland shrink to 5 1/2 games.
TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: TBA vs. Angels LH Andrew Heaney (1-3, 5.18 ERA)
Houston will use an "opener" due in part to soreness in the right shoulder of Brad Peacock, which prevented the team from activating him from the injured list. Manager A.J. Hinch declined to provide the name of Tuesday's "opener", although Rogelio Armenteros is a possibility to be recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to fill the void. The 25-year-old Cuban made his major-league debut last month, recording a save while giving up two runs over five innings in two relief appearances.
Heaney is in the midst of a trend spanning six starts that has seen him allow fewer than three runs in an outing after surrendering five in his previous turn. The 28-year-old Oklahoman has lost each of his last two starts, including one at Houston on July 6 in which he gave up two runs and five hits over five innings. The setback dropped Heaney to 3-3 with a 3.20 ERA in eight career turns against the Astros.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Angels recalled OF Michael Hermosillo from Triple-A Salt Lake, optioned LHP Jose Suarez to the Bees and sent RHP Kenyan Middleton (elbow) to the affiliate for a rehab assignment.
2. Houston SS Carlos Correa (rib) and 2B Aledmys Diaz (hamstring) - neither of whom has played since May 26 - began rehab assignments with Triple-A Round Rock on Monday, with the former going 0-for-3 and the latter 1-for-4 with a run scored.
3. Los Angeles made a minor trade on Monday, acquiring C Anthony Bemboom from Tampa Bay for cash considerations.