Why are Astros Benching Diaz in Pivotal ALDS Matchup with Twins?
The Houston Astros will try to close out the Minnesota Twins Wednesday evening in the American League Division Series. With a win, the Astros would clinch their seventh-straight ALCS appearance.
Houston released their starting lineup for Wednesday's game, which is set to start at 7:07 p.m. ET at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Astros manager Dusty Baker made a pair of noticeable changes to his lineup, rolling out a different starting nine than the one he trotted out in Tuesday's 9-1 victory over the Twins.
The most notable was Baker swapping out star rookie Yainer Diaz for veteran Michael Brantley in a surprising move.
Diaz batted sixth on Tuesday, going 0-for-5 and striking out four times.
Brantley started both Game 1 and Game 2 over the weekend, going 2-for-7 with a pair of base hits. Diaz was the club's designated hitter Tuesday. Brantley will occupy the designated hitter position Wednesday.
The benching likely comes after the lack off production from the rookie during his first career postseason start.
Batting seventh and playing center field will be Chas McCormick. The young star was in center field for both Game 1 and Game 2 over the weekend, going 2-for-8. He received a day off on Tuesday, but he returns to the starting lineup Wednesday.
Taking the mound for Houston on Wednesday will be veteran Jose Urquidy (3-3, 5.29 ERA).
He was named the Game 4 starter by Baker, following their 9-1 victory in Game 3.
The manager had been deciding between Urquidy and rookie JP France, but ultimately gave the nod to the veteran with postseason experience.
Here's a look at how the Astros will line up Wednesday against the Twins:
- 2B Jose Altuve
- 3B Alex Bregman
- DH Yordan Alvarez
- RF Kyle Tucker
- 1B Jose Abreu
- LF Michael Brantley
- CF Chas McCormick
- SS Jeremy Pena
- Martin Maldonado
First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m. ET.
Minnesota needs a victory in order to force a Game 5. If Houston wins, they will advance to play the Texas Rangers in the ALCS.
