Free Daily NCAA Lock Pick, Tuesday October 10th: Coastal Carolina vs Appalachian State 7:30pmET
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The Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins will play Wednesday at Target Field. Game four of the American League Divisional Series starts at 1:07 p.m. CT.
Houston (90-72 SU and 81-80 RL) has not named a starter and is deciding between right-handers J.P. France and José Urquidy. The rookie France went 11-6 with a 3.83 ERA in 24 regular season outings (23 starts) and Urquidy was 3-3 with a 5.29 ERA (10 starts and 16 total appearances).
Minnesota (89-75 SU and 82-81 RL) is countering with righty Joe Ryan. The 27-year-old was 11-10 with a 4.51 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 29 regular-season outings.
Astros: RP Kendall Graveman is out (shoulder).
Twins: 2B Nick Gordon (shin), DH/OH Byron Buxton (hamstring), and 1B Joey Gallo (foot) are sidelined.
How will Houston play in consecutive road games? The offense will need to come up big on Wednesday with an unreliable arm likely starting the game four clash with Minnesota.
The Astros scored 5.10 runs per game (5th) and hit .259 (5th) with a .768 OPS (5th) during the regular season. They launched 222 home runs (7th) and stole 107 bases (18th). The H-Town pitching staff compiled a 3.94 ERA (8th) and a 1.28 WHIP (14th) with 70 quality starts (5th).
Houston's starting pitching depth will be tested on Wednesday, as the club is unlikely to send Justin Verlander out on limited rest. Instead, the team will rely on either a rookie or a pitcher who only made ten starts this season, struggling in most of his outings. The Astros front office is still optimistic about their chances, though.
“I’m comfortable either way,” Houston general mana ger Dana Brown said. “Whatever decision we make, both options are pretty good. We have managers and coaches that are in the grind with these guys and they have their comfort levels and who they want to go with it. I support it. I think either option is good. J.P.’s been outstanding, Urquidy’s really got the experience. They both have enough stuff and command to get through six [innings]. I’m fine either way.”
Free Daily NCAA Lock Pick, Tuesday October 10th: Coastal Carolina vs Appalachian State 7:30pmET CLICK TO SEE PICK NOW