The Astros got annihilated last night against the Red Sox but they turn the page quickly here behind their ace, Hunter Brown. Houston just saw Walker Buehler less than two weeks ago, when they touched him up for nine hits and three runs across just 4.1 innings. In terms of trends, the Astros have been MLB's 2nd best team coming off a loss this year, with a 33-19 record, and at home they're 36-25 while the Red Sox are 27-33 on the road. Boston heads home after this, finishing up a six game road trip, while the Astros stay home and both get a day off tomorrow. I'll side with the Astros to come out on top, heading into tomorrow on a high note.
The Red Sox took out their frustrations on a cadre of bad Houston pitchers on Tuesday, but it's Hunter Brown in the series finale and he's as nasty as anyone. In fact, Brown is one of only three pitchers in Astros history with at least 160 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.51 or lower through their first 23 starts in a season, along with Mike Scott in 1986 and Justin Verlander in 2018. Another loss here, and Houston may fall out of first in the AL West for the first time in many weeks. Boston's Walker Buehler dominated last time out in San Diego but still has an ERA of 6.52 away. It's the end of a trip for the Sox.
Chapman passed a physical examination Saturday, which was the final hurdle in order for his $13 million option for 2027 to vest, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.
Anthony (hand) is not in the lineup Wednesday for Game 2 of the wild-card series versus the Yankees.
Trammell is not in the lineup Wednesday for Game 2 of the wild-card series against the White Sox.
Duran is absent from the lineup Wednesday for Game 2 of the wild-card series against the Yankees.
Paredes (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat third Wednesday in Game 2 of the wild-card series versus the White Sox.
The Red Sox added Mead (wrist) to their wild-card series roster Wednesday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.
Varsho underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist Tuesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Anthony will be removed from Boston's wild-card series roster after an MRI showed an aggravation of his previous right hand injury, as well as multiple new strains, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
Tolle (0-1) took the loss in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Yankees on Tuesday. He gave up one run on five hits with four strikeouts and a walk over 4.2 innings.
The Red Sox are still "assessing the situation" when it comes to whether they will replace Anthony (hand) on their wild-card series roster, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
