The Houston Astros host the Oakland Athletics on Sept. 16 for the second game of a four-game series. Entering Thursday's game, Houston led the season series 9-6. Look for all the best MLB previews to better your winning chances.
The Astros have the best record in the American League at 93-50 and hold a 12.5-game lead over Seattle in the West Division. The A's have the worst record in the AL at 52-91; the Washington Nationals (49-94) are the only Major League team with a worse record.
Houston has Cy Young Award candidate Justin Verlander set to return from the injured list to start this game. Verlander is 16-3 with a 1.84 ERA over 152 innings. He has struck out 154 while allowing 104 hits and 26 walks. Verlander has faced Oakland twice this season and has allowed eight hits, two walks and three earned runs with 16 strikeouts in 13 innings. In his last appearance against the A's, Verlander struck out 10 over six shutout innings.