Chris Davis and Manny Machado apparently haven't received the memo that the All-Star break is long over. The struggling infielders look to get it in gear Tuesday as the host Baltimore Orioles open a three-game series versus the major league-worst Houston Astros. After appearing in the Midsummer Classic, Davis has 20 strikeouts in his last 10 contests while Machado is 3-for-28 in his last seven games.
The Orioles' offense has followed in their footsteps, highlighted by Sunday's 5-0 setback to Boston. Baltimore, which has lost five of six overall, is clinging to the last wild-card berth in the American League. Houston, which has dropped eight of 10 since the break, shuffled veteran closer Jose Veras to Detroit for minor-league outfielder Danry Vasquez and a player to be named.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston), MASN2 (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Bud Norris (6-9, 3.93 ERA) vs. Orioles LH Wei-Yin Chen (5-3, 2.78)
A trendy name for the upcoming trade deadline, Norris bounced back from a pair of puzzling performances to allow three runs in 6 1/3 innings of a no-decision versus Oakland on Wednesday. The 28-year-old pitched well in his lone appearance against Baltimore, permitting three runs and striking out seven in as many innings in a 3-1 loss June 6. Norris has struggled with his control, issuing at least three walks in four of his last six outings.
Chen has posted a 2-0 mark and allowed just five runs over three starts since returning from the disabled list. The 28-year-old Taiwan native settled for a no-decision after two homers led to three runs over 7 1/3 innings against Kansas City on Wednesday. Chen has been solid at home, going 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA while limiting the opposition to a .221 batting average.
WALK-OFFS
1. Baltimore SS J.J. Hardy had three of his four hits against Norris during that June outing. Hardy, however, is 3-for-22 in his last six contests.
2. Houston 2B Jose Altuve missed Sunday's game with left quad tightness and is day-to-day.
3. The Orioles, who won two of three versus the Astros in June, are 16-8 against the AL West this season.