Philadelphia Phillies at Astros Series Preview: Pitching, Matchups And More

The Philadelphia Phillies will travel and take on the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park for a three-game series over the weekend. It's a much-anticipated rematch of the 2022 World Series.

The Phillies returned to a .500 record on Thursday after turning in a 1-0 win and series victory over the Seattle Mariners.

Philadelphia will face a tough test this weekend as they face a surging Astros squad who now sits tied atop the American League West with the Texas Rangers.

Here are all the matchups and a series prediction.

Friday, April 28 at 7:10 p.m. CT

Aaron Nola (1-2, 5.40 ERA) vs. Framber Valdez (2-2, 2.25 ERA)

It's a battle of the aces on Friday night but only one has resembled anything like an ace and that's Valdez. Nola has struggled mightily to start the season after a long year and short spring.

While Valdez is in a similar position, he has responded with a very encouraging beginning to the season.

If Nola continues his skid then the Astros could be in for a huge offensive feast with the Phillies searching for answers.

Saturday, April 29 at 4:10 p.m. CT

Zack Wheeler (2-1, 4.73 ERA) vs. Cristian Javier (2-0, 3.21 ERA)

Usually getting the duo of Nola and Wheeler spells trouble for opposing teams, but like his co-ace, Wheeler has not lived up to his usual billing to start the year. However, he has started to round into form and a big moment against Houston might just be what he needs.

Javier has been a solid number two guy for the Astros and will face another tough test on Saturday.

If Wheeler can put it all together, expect the Phillies to have a big day.

Sunday, April 30 at 6:10 p.m. CT

Bailey Falter (0-4, 4.50 ERA) vs. Jose Urquidy (1-2, 5.64 ERA)

Welcome to Sunday Night Baseball! This is exactly the matchup ESPN was hoping for when the made this schedule. Falter, who is yet another member of the underachieving Phillies rotation will get the start against Urquidy.

While Urquidy hasn't been great, he has started to come around. This is the biggest question mark of the series. And it's on national television. At least it should be entertaining if nothing else.

Prediction: Houston takes the series 2-1 with wins on Friday and Saturday. Falter comes through on Sunday for Philadelphia and takes the win on ESPN.

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