Astros seek response against Royals after Tampa Bay sweep
Houston opens a three-game American League series with Kansas City as both teams arrive under pressure to arrest recent slides.
The Houston Astros will host the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday in the opening game of a three-game American League series, with Houston seeking a response after being swept by Tampa Bay.
Hunter Brown is scheduled to start for the Astros against Michael Wacha. Brown enters with a 5-3 record and a 3.52 earned-run average, while Wacha is 9-3 with a 3.25 ERA and has made four consecutive quality starts.
Kansas City has lost nine of its past 13 games. Houston is also trying to avoid falling below .500 for the first time since 26 August as it continues its push for a playoff place.
Carlos Correa is nearing a possible return from the 60-day injured list but is not expected to play in the series opener. The Astros are considering using Correa at second base when he returns, potentially moving Jose Altuve to designated hitter.
CBS Sports described the matchup as one Houston could not afford to lose, while noting that the starting pitchers, line-ups and player availability remain subject to change.
