Dodgers @ Astros

Who will WIN this matchup?

Los Angeles Dodgers (2-2)

@ Houston Astros (3-1)

Starting Pitchers:

Buehler (LAD): 0-0; 0.00 ERA

Valdez (HOU) 0-0; 0.00 ERA

Current odds:

Los Angeles Dodgers: (-135)

Houston Astros: (+125)

• The visiting Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston face one another Tuesday for the first time since it was revealed that the Astros were stealing signs during the 2017 season. That campaign concluded with Houston beating Los Angeles in the World Series and the tension will be hanging in the air during the two-game series. The Dodgers opened the season with a four-game home split against the San Francisco Giants as the series with the Astros loomed. “I don’t think a lot of opinions or the way guys think has changed in this time,” Los Angeles third baseman Justin Turner told reporters recently of Houston, “but at the end of the day, we’re going to go out and win ballgames.”

• Houston won three of four games against the visiting Seattle Mariners and scored 29 runs during the season-opening series, while star third baseman Alex Bregman smacked his 100th career homer in Monday’s 8-5 triumph. “They’ve got a really good team, good pitching staff, good offense and it’s going to be a good hard-fought series,” Bregman told reporters afterward of the Dodgers.

• Buehler is making his first start of the season later than anticipated because he didn’t throw much during the delay after spring training was halted in March and summer camp began in July. The 26-year-old indicated he’s ready to go now as he looks to build off a strong 2019 in which he struck out 215 batters in 30 starts. Buehler defeated Houston in 2018 when he gave up two runs and four hits over 5 1/3 innings in his lone career outing against the club.

• Valdez figures to primarily be a starter this season after 18 of his 26 appearances in 2019 were in relief. The 26-year-old had a porous 1.67 WHIP last season but struck out 68 over 70 2/3 innings. Valdez has a solid 3.43 home ERA in 18 games (eight starts) compared to a shaky 6.25 road ERA in 16 appearances (five starts).

• The teams last met in 2018 with the Astros taking two of three in Los Angeles and outscoring the Dodgers 18-4.

• Houston placed ace RHP Justin Verlander (forearm) on the 10-day injured list, optioned INF Taylor Jones to the club’s alternate practice site and recalled RHPs Brandon Bielak – who picked up the win in relief on Monday – and Nivaldo Rodriguez.

• Los Angeles LHP Clayton Kershaw (back) will throw a bullpen session prior to Tuesday’s game, according to manager Dave Roberts.