Houston not to bat bottom 9 is a preferred option, but the Giants are at the end of a six-game trip and likely eager to get back to the West Coast, so a natural trap spot like the Angels today. And SF closer Ryan Walker is probably not available after pitching the first two games of the series. Houston would appear to have the starting pitching edge in Framber Valdez (in a contract year so likely to have a very good season) against second-year converted reliever Landon Roupp. Valdez was magnificent in his season debut vs. the Mets.

Landen Roupp vs. Framber Valdez. Roupp got four starts last September and allowed two runs or fewer in three of them. He won the Giants' final rotation spot with a strong spring. Valdez dominated in his first outing of the season vs. the Mets, allowing just four hits over 7 scoreless innings. Houston has played five games this year with all but one totaling four runs or less. I'll take the F5 under 4.5.