Inside the Astros

What to Expect From Houston Astros and Tigers Series

The Houston Astros will host the Detroit Tigers for a three-game series that begins on Monday at Minute Maid Park. Here is what to expect.
Kade Kistner|
What to Expect From Houston Astros and Tigers Series
What to Expect From Houston Astros and Tigers Series

In this story:

Houston AstrosDetroit Tigers

The Houston Astros started their 2023 MLB season by splitting a four-game series with the Chicago White Sox. Houston played a very solid team in the White Sox, but Chicago walked away "trending up" after the series while the Astros "slipped."

Whatever that means.

But it does go to show just how high the expectations on this team are. 

Now, they will get the chance to host the Detroit Tigers for a three game series at Minute Maid Park that begins on Monday night. 

Projected Pitching Matchups

Monday, 7:10 p.m. CT: Matt Boyd vs. Hunter Brown

Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. CT: Matt Manning vs. Framber Valdez (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Wednesday, 1:10 p.m. CT: Eduardo Rodriguez (0-1, 5.06 ERA) vs. Cristian Javier (0-0, 5.40 ERA)

State of the Offense

The Tigers offense has been anemic, non-existent even in the early goings of the 2023 MLB season. In their first three games they have produced three runs. It was against the Tampa Bay Rays who have excellent pitching and Detroit did have to face Jeffrey Springs on Sunday who looks like a legitimate Cy Young contender. 

However, they have gotten off to a rough start and a matchup against Houston's pitching staff likely won't be the kickstart they are looking for.

As for the Astros, the have scored 17 runs in their first four games and did it against a very good White Sox pitching staff, They appeared to be firing on all cylinders and are primed to take full advantage of Detroit pitching staff that has more question marks than answers. 

Prediction

It's a favorable matchup on paper for the Astros who are facing a winless and apparently toothless Tigers squad. Houston has been hitting the ball well, playing their brand of baseball early, and the pitching staff should start to come around. 

The Astros are heavy favorites here and should have the ability to go for the sweep and get back on track.

Predicted record after Tigers series: 5-2

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

  1. Could Mike Trout Request a Trade to the Houston Astros?
  2. Mariners Fans Inexplicably Outraged Following Houston Astros' Social Media Post About Sweep
  3. Report: Former Astros Pitcher Fiers' Contract Terminated By CPBL Club
  4. Six Houston Astros Declared Free Agents
  5. Watch: Yordan Álvarez's Home Run Wins Astros World Series
  6. Lucas Giolito Claims All Teams Were Cheating in 2017
  7. Dusty Baker Makes His Thoughts Known on Bonds and Judge Records
  8. Is it Time to Move on From the Houston Astros Cheating Scandal?
  9. Is There Any Hope for an Aging Yuli Gurriel?
  10. Astros' Álvarez Stopped Striking Out and Became the Best Hitter in Baseball

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!

Published
Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

Home/News