Astros' Starting Lineup, Pitcher for Saturday's Game Against Arizona Diamondbacks
The Houston Astros enter a critical game Saturday in Arizona, with their playoff hopes on the line.
Manager Dusty Baker will turn to Justin Verlander (12-8, 3.32 ERA) in game two of their three-game series at Chase Field, against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Houston enters Saturday with an 88-72 record, one game back of the Texas Rangers for the American League West division lead. Houston currently owns the third and final American League Wild Card, with a one game lead over the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners and Rangers are currently halfway through a four-game series in Seattle, in which the M's took the first two games. If the Astros and Mariners win Saturday, Houston and Texas will be tied for the AL West lead, with only a day remaining in the regular season. Since the Astros won nine of their 13 games against the Rangers in 2023, they own the head-to-head tiebreaker, and would win the division outright if the teams tied.
The Astros can clinch a playoff spot with a win on Saturday. Similarly, the Diamondbacks are also fighting for their own reservation in the postseason. If Arizona wins Saturday, it will clinch a playoff berth. The Diamondbacks have not appeared in the playoffs since 2017.
The Astros posted their starting lineup for Saturday's contest on Twitter. Here's a look at how they will line up for their second-to-last game of the regular season:
1) 2B Jose Altuve
2) 3B Alex Bregman
3) DH Yordan Alvarez
4) RF Kyle Tucker
5) 1B Jose Abreu
6) LF Chas McCormick
7) CF Mauricio Dubon
8) SS Jeremy Pena
9) C Martin Maldonado
SP Justin Verlander
Merrill Kelly (12-7, 3.38 ERA) will start for the Diamondbacks. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET.
