August 23rd Game #131 Preview: Angels @ Astros

Angels (63-67) @ Astros (82-47)

Here’s the set up: A limping Angels team stumbles into Minute Maid Park to meet up with one of MLB’s powerhouses that got even better at the trade deadline. Guess I don’t need to finish what happens next for you all.

The Angels have played one series in Houston this year. A series they lost 2 games to 1. The win they managed to pick up was against Justin Verlander. Go figure.

Expert pitch framer, Max Stassi, will be returning to Houston for the first time since Jeff Luhnow conned Billy Eppler out of some prospects for a guy he was about to DFA.

Who to watch:

The Angels have actually done pretty well against Zack Greinke over the past 5 years.

GAME 1

(L) Jose Suarez (6.75) v. (R) Zack Greinke (2.84 ERA)
Friday, Aug 23rd @ 5:10PM

Summary:

Jose Suarez has had a grand total of zero quality starts. In fact, he’s averaged 4.4 innings over his 12 starts and has yet to log a zero run start. To say his rookie says has been rocky would be an understatement. Suarez faced the Astros in early July and threw 69 pitches over 3.1 innings with 2 ER, 1 home runs, and 5 hits allowed. Not sure this time around will end up much better for the youngster.

As you saw above, some of the Angels hitters have actually fared well against former Angel Zack Greinke. That being said, Grienke is in the midst of a fantastic season and has allowed only 5 runs over his 3 starts and 19 innings as an Astro. That’s good for a 2.37 ERA with 14 Ks.

Current Standings

Notes/Credits:
(Pitch tracking data from baseballsavant.mlb.com)
(Splits from FanGraphs Splits Tool and Baseball Reference)
(Standings/odds from fivethirtyeight.com)