The Houston Astros (16-15, 16-15 RL, 16-14-1 O/U) battle the Seattle Mariners (15-16, 16-15 RL, 15-16 O/U) as the division rivals continue a three-game series on Saturday evening. The Astros will have rookie J.P. France on the hill. The Mariners will counter with veteran Marco Gonalez. The Astros went 12-7 against the Mariners last season.
The Astros have promoted J.P France to make his big league debut in this one. France was dominant in Triple-A this season, reporting a stifling 2.33 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP in 19.1 innings France has pitched four years in the minor leagues and is 28 years old. The right-hander has posted a 3.73 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in his minor league career. He is not considered one of the Astros' top prospects.
Houston has lost two consecutive series. They dropped two of three home games against the Phillies and Giants due to a lack of offense. They only plated nine runs in the three meetings with the Giants. Injuries are a factor as Jose Altuve and Michael Brantley remain out. Houston did win their previous road series against the Rays.
Giant swing to the Crawford Boxes. pic.twitter.com/4QO8o5 qMnY
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 3, 2023
Kyle Tucker was quiet against the Mariners last season, posting only six RBIs and a .597 OPS. The 26-year-old has been one of the Astros' best run producers, collecting 20 RBIs accompanied by a solid .790 OPS on the season. Tucker is a solid 6 for 18 in his career against Gonzales.
Houston is scoring an average of 4.42 runs per game, ranking them 15th. The pitching staff has recorded a 3.20 team ERA, good for second.
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