10:10 pm
August 3

Astros @ Dodgers

Who will WIN this matchup?

Houston Astros (64-42)

@ Los Angeles Dodgers (64-43)

 

Starting Pitchers:

McCullers Jr. (HOU): 8-2; 3.23 ERA

Buehler (LAD) 11-1; 2.19 ERA

 

Current odds:

Houston Astros: (+158)

Los Angeles Dodgers: (-173)

 

• With fans in the stands this time around, the Dodgers’ faithful will get a chance to show the Astros how they really feel about 2017, when Houston’s use of electronic means to steal opponents’ pitching signs ultimately contributed to a championship. That title came at the expense of the Dodgers, who lost the 2017 World Series in seven games. The teams also met at Houston last season in a series that became known for the errant pitches from Dodgers right-hander Joe Kelly and the pouty face he displayed toward Carlos Correa after a strikeout. Los Angeles won three of the four games between the teams last season.

• Before Scherzer makes his Dodgers debut Wednesday, the club will send right-hander Walker Buehler (11-1, 2.19 ERA) to the mound Tuesday. The National League Pitcher of the Month for July is 1-0 lifetime against Houston in two starts with a 4.00 ERA. Buehler finished 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings over five starts last month.

• Lance McCullers Jr. (8-2, 3.23 ERA) will pitch for Houston on Tuesday. He has a 1.64 ERA in 11 regular-season innings against the Dodgers, and he went 1-0 with a 3.52 in two starts against Los Angeles during the 2017 World Series.

• Although their trade-deadline moves were not as high profile as the Dodgers’, the Astros did address a need by acquiring relievers Kendall Graveman, Phil Maton, Rafael Montero and former Dodger Yimi Garcia. All four pitched well in their Houston debuts last weekend. “I think we have a great team that can go out there and win the World Series this year,” Correa said. “We truly believe it. The group of talent that we have — our lineup, our starting rotation, our bullpen — I’m happy with where we’re at right now.”

5/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Los Angeles Dodgers
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