HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros are set to kick off their three-game series against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night at Daikin Park, marking the continuation of their six-game homestand. This matchup comes on the heels of a strong opening weekend for the Astros, who displayed impressive pitching against the New York Mets.
In their previous series, the Astros’ bullpen shone brightly, allowing just one run over eight innings against the Mets. This stellar performance has raised expectations as the Astros prepare to face the Giants, who recently reshaped their roster with significant offseason signings.
Manager Joe Espada expressed confidence in his bullpen, indicating that he plans to give opportunities to less experienced pitchers. "A lot of those guys don't have a ton of experience," Espada said. "We're going to need that. I'm going to be giving those guys opportunities like that to see who can step up and pitch those big innings for us in the middle of the game."
As for the starting pitchers, right-hander Ronel Blanco (13-6, 2.80 ERA in 2024) is slated to take the mound for the Astros. Blanco made a splash in his season debut last year, tossing a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays. His record against the Giants is also promising, as he is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two career appearances against them, including a solid outing last June where he led the Astros to a 3-1 victory.
On the other side, the Giants will send out right-hander Jordan Hicks (4-7, 4.10 ERA in 2024). Hicks, a Houston native, logged a career-high 109 2/3 innings last season, but has struggled against the Astros in past matchups, holding an 0-1 record with a 4.76 ERA in two appearances.
The Giants come into this series with momentum after claiming a 6-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, where left-hander Robbie Ray carried a perfect game into the sixth inning. New additions to the Giants, such as infielder Willy Adames and veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, have already begun to make an impact. Adames, who signed the largest contract in franchise history worth seven years and $182 million, and Verlander, who inked a one-year deal for $15 million, are expected to bolster the team significantly.
“The vibes are high,” said Matt Chapman, reflecting on the new additions. “Willy and J.V. and the guys that we brought in, it’s like they’ve been here for years.”
In terms of lineup changes, Jose Altuve will return to his familiar position at second base for this game, a move that should not surprise fans given his experience. Espada stated, "I just wanted to get him in there. I thought today was the best day to get him a start at second." Altuve, who has played 1,749 games at second base, will be backed by Mauricio Dubón in left field, ensuring a solid defensive alignment behind Blanco, who tends to generate fly balls.
Altuve's transition to left field in previous games has been noteworthy, as he has already logged 26 innings in the outfield this season. Despite some initial hiccups, including a couple of dropped fly balls, Espada has praised Altuve’s efforts. “I thought he played well. He made some really good decisions,” he noted, emphasizing Altuve's commitment to mastering the position.
The Astros will also debut their new City Connect uniforms for this game, a design that pays homage to the team's history while embracing a modern aesthetic. This uniform will be worn for all Monday home games this season, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans attending the game.
As the Astros and Giants prepare for their first pitch at 7:10 p.m., fans are eager to see how the teams will fare in this early-season matchup. The Astros, boasting a strong pitching staff and a revamped lineup, will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage against a Giants team eager to prove their offseason acquisitions were worth it.
Tonight’s Astros lineup features: Jose Altuve (2B), Paredes (3B), Alvarez (DH), Walker (1B), Diaz (C), Peña (SS), Smith (RF), Dubón (LF), Meyers (CF), with Blanco on the mound. The Giants will counter with Wade Jr. (1B), Adames (SS), Lee (CF), Chapman (3B), Ramos (LF), Bailey (C), Flores (DH), Yastrzemski (RF), Fitzgerald (2B), and Hicks as their starting pitcher.
With both teams bringing strong lineups and pitching options to the table, fans can expect an exciting series opener as they cheer on their respective teams at Daikin Park.
