Mariners at Astros
The Houston Astros are cruising toward another American League West title and are mostly concerned with staying healthy and sharp the rest of the way. The Astros aren't having much luck in the health department, but will try to stay sharp when they host the Seattle Mariners on Thursday in the opener of a four-game series.
Houston dropped a 4-2 decision to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, but the big loss in the game came when star outfielder George Springer banged his head against the center field wall while making a catch and had to be carted off the field. "He's doing OK," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters after the game. "He ran into the wall and obviously got carted off the field, but he's doing well given all the circumstances of running into a wall. He made a great catch. Scary for all of us. We get out there and looks like he'll be day to day." Houston might not even need Springer's production against the Mariners, who managed a total of two runs while dropping a two-game set at the Chicago Cubs to open the week and scored three or fewer runs in six of the last eight games. That struggling offense will take its hacks against Wade Miley on Thursday while Seattle counters with fellow left-hander Marco Gonzales.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (14-11, 4.30 ERA) vs. Astros LH Wade Miley (13-4, 3.06)
Gonzales had a string of four straight starts allowing three or fewer runs come to an end when he was knocked around for six runs - five earned - on seven hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings at Texas on Friday. The 27-year-old's two strikeouts against the Rangers matched a season low. Gonzales started at Houston on Aug. 3 and was roughed up for four runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings.
Miley struggled with his control and issued five walks at Toronto on Friday, but limited the damage to one unearned run in 3 2/3 innings. The Louisiana native is tied for third in the AL in ERA and surrendered three or fewer earned runs in each of his last 12 outings. Miley walked five against Seattle on Aug. 2 but was only charged with two runs and three hits across six innings while earning a win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros 3B Alex Bregman is batting .479 with 13 RBIs in the last 12 games.
2. Seattle SS J.P. Crawford (hamstring) sat out the last four games and is day-to-day.
3. Houston LF Michael Brantley is 2-for-26 over the last seven games.