Houston Astros Dodge Bullet Ahead of Rangers Matchup

The Houston Astros released their pitching probables for their three-game series with the Texas Rangers, which starts on Monday. So did the Rangers — and the Astros caught a break.

The Astros were expecting to see the Rangers’ top starter this season, Nathan Eovaldi, on Tuesday.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy announced on Sunday that they were skipping Eovaldi’s turn to give him some rest. Eovaldi isn’t hurt. It’s just a strategic opportunity to give their best pitcher some extra time off.

“This is what we’ve been talking about,” Bochy said. “Strategically, I think it’s time to give him a little break.”

It’s a bonus for the Astros, who are chasing the Rangers in the American League West race and have just six more head-to-head opportunities this season.

Eovaldi (11-3, 2.69) has faced the Astros once this season. On July 1 he threw seven shutout innings, giving up two hits and four walks in a 5-2 Rangers victory. He also struck out five.

The better news for the Astros is that Tuesday’s starter could be top Rangers pitching prospect Owen White, who has not started an MLB game and made his debut last month in relief. The Rangers recalled him from Triple-A on Sunday, but his status is contingent on not pitching in relief leading up to Tuesday.

The Rangers also have left-hander Cody Bradford, who has made spot starts this season.

The Rangers will start Jon Gray on Monday and left-hander Andrew Heaney (6-6, 4.58) will start on Wednesday.

The Astros will start Brandon Bielak (5-5, 3.46) on Monday, J.P. France (5-3, 3.13) and Framber Valdez (8-6, 2.94) on Wednesday.

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