Pregame Notes: Cleveland Indians Look For Series Win Against Houston Astros

Bauer looks to help Indians to series win

Two former first-round picks will meet as the Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros meet in the decisive rubber game of the three-game series.

The Indians (1-1) will send Trevor Bauer (0-0, 0.00) to the mound, who hopes to have a full year with the Tribe–and one that gets more production from his offense. In his final 13 starts last season, he had only one win as he received only 26 runs in support. He’ll be without one of their best hitters, which won’t help the cause of a team that has scored only two runs so far this season.

Michael Brantley will miss another start with the stiff back. While the Tribe does have depth, they can’t afford to not have his bat in the lineup for a long stretch.

Mike Aviles, who filled in for Brantley in Wednesday’s game, had a solo home run in the 2-0 win. The Indians will start David Murphy in his place today.

The Astros (1-1) will send the only rookie to make the team to the mound in Asher Wojciechowski (0-0, 0.00). A strong spring which saw him post a 1.29 ERA in six appearances helped him make the team. He was acquired from Toronto in 2012.

Here are the lineups for today’s match-up:

News and Notes:

• The Indians will try for their third straight series win at Minute Maid Park and their 13th victory in 16 games overall against the Astros on Thursday.
• Bauer has faced the Astros only once, striking out nine over six innings in a 3-1 win in Cleveland last August.
• In 21 innings this spring, the 26-year-old Wojciechowski posted a 1.29 ERA, allowing 17 hits and six runs (three earned) in six games (three starts). He struck out 16 and walked five.

Climbing Tal’s Hill’s Jason Burke has more on the game from the Astros side, including what to expect from Trevor Bauer. Be sure to check it out as well.

Next: Tribe vs. Astros Series Preview