The Houston Astros (64-49, 58-55 RL, 55-56-2 O/U) battle the Baltimore Orioles (70-42, 69-42 RL, 57-48-6 O/U) in an AL showdown on Wednesday evening. The Astros are going with Cristian Javier on Wednesday. The Orioles will send Jack Flaherty to the mound. The O’s posted a 4-3 record against the Astros last season.
Cristian Javier will be on the mound on Wednesday. Javier didn’t have it last time out, conceding three runs including two home runs in 4.2 innings against the Yankees, and was able to escape with a no-decision in a game the Astros lost. The young right-hander is keeping opponents in check but will give up runs as his command can be an issue. Javier has issued a 4.39 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP accompanied by a 7-2 record in 112.2 innings pitched. He has shut down the Orioles in two meetings, conceding just two runs with an 0-2 record in 12.1 innings.
The Astros continue a brief road trip. They won two of four meetings against the Yankees on the weekend including a wild 9-7 win on Sunday and have now won four of their last five series. Houston trails the Rangers by three games atop the division but I wouldn't count them out yet. They stand in the second wildcard spot. The Astros are 6-4 in their last ten decisions.
Jake the RAKE ?? pic.twitter.com/fv629gmELD
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 6, 2023
Jose Altuve has registered a solid .824 OPS this month. The veteran second baseman has missed about 30 games due to injury and has recorded 21 RBIs and a stellar .886 OPS in 88 games on the season. Altuve posted two RBIs and a .742 OPS against the Orioles last season.
Houston is scoring an average of 4.76 runs, good for 10th. The pitching staff has reported a 3.79 team ERA, placing them third.