Two southpaws are expected to oppose each other when the Houston Astros host the Detroit Tigers today in the third game of their 4-game set at Minute Maid Park. Framber Valdez is expected to get the nod for the Astros and Eduardo Rodríguez for the Tigers. Valdez has decent numbers, at 1-2, with a respectable ERA of 3.42 and a 1.22 WHIP. Rodríguez, on the other hand, not so good. He is 0-2 with a 5.33 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and was lit up in his last turn against the Dodgers. Rodríguez is also 1-3 lifetime against Houston with an ERA of 8.53. The Tigers are 2-10 over their last 12 games, 6-13 in their last 19 against the ‘Stros, and are just 3-8 in their last 11 against a left-handed starter. Dusty Baker has his club clicking on every cylinder. Houston has won 5 straight, are 6-0 in their last 6 home games, 6-0 in their last 6 games against southies, and should take care of business today against a Detroit team that is just 3-8 on the road.
TODAY’S PICK: HOUSTON ASTROS