What's Happening?
Lucas Giolito is set to start for the Boston Red Sox as they aim to complete a three-game sweep against the Houston Astros. Originally, Dustin May was scheduled to pitch, but his debut with the Red Sox has been postponed to Wednesday against Kansas City. Manager Alex Cora decided to keep Giolito in his regular rotation spot, citing his preference for maintaining his pitching schedule. Giolito has a challenging history against the Astros, with a 2-6 record and a 5.94 ERA over nine career starts. Meanwhile, Framber Valdez will start for Houston, boasting a strong record against Boston with a 3-1 record and a 1.96 ERA. The Red Sox have won the first two games of the series, with notable performances from Romy Gonzalez, Trevor Story, and Abraham Toro. Houston has struggled recently, losing seven of their last nine games.
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Why It's Important?
The outcome of this series is significant for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball. For the Red Sox, a sweep would bolster their standing and momentum as they continue their season. Giolito's performance is crucial, given his past struggles against the Astros, and could impact his future role in the rotation. For the Astros, overcoming their recent slump is vital to maintain their playoff aspirations. The team's inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, as seen in their recent games, highlights areas needing improvement. The return of Jeremy Pena from injury could provide a needed boost to their lineup.
What's Next?
Following this series, the Red Sox will face the Kansas City Royals, with Dustin May expected to make his debut. The Astros will need to regroup and address their offensive challenges to improve their performance in upcoming games. Both teams will continue to adjust their strategies as they aim for postseason success. The Red Sox's ability to maintain their winning streak and the Astros' efforts to reverse their fortunes will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
