Angels at Astros
Cameron Maybin provided a major spark in his return from the disabled list, and the Los Angeles Angels again could use his energy Saturday as they enter the middle contest of their three-game series against the host Houston Astros. Maybin showed no signs of his oblique injury as he recorded a career-best four stolen bases while going 3-for-4 with four runs scored as the Angels rolled to a 9-4 win in Friday's opener.
Maybin, who missed nine games during his stint on the DL, vaulted into the American League lead with 17 steals. The Astros lost for the third time in four games, but Alex Bregman's homer extended the team's streak to 17 consecutive contests with a blast - the second-longest in franchise history behind an 18-game stretch in 2000. Houston's Brian McCann, who is 8-for-16 with two homers in his last four games, is batting .338 with eight shots and 26 RBIs in 71 career at-bats against Angels scheduled starter Ricky Nolasco. Saturday's pitchers - Nolasco and Houston's Mike Fiers - have served up 18 homers apiece, which is tied for second-most in the majors behind Cincinnati's Bronson Arroyo (20).
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Ricky Nolasco (2-6, 5.05 ERA) vs. Astros RH Mike Fiers (3-2, 4.84)
Nolasco has lost four consecutive starts, posting a 6.64 ERA during the slide. The 34-year-old fell to Minnesota in his last turn as he gave up three runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings. Nolasco is a stellar 7-1 with a 3.75 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts) against the Astros, including a victory on April 18 in which he gave up two runs and eight hits over six frames.
Fiers has won his last two turns, giving up two runs in each of the victories. The 31-year-old kept the ball in the park in both outings after serving up an average of two per game over his first nine starts. Fiers defeated the Angels on May 7, when he allowed three runs and four hits over five innings, and is 2-2 with a 5.30 ERA in six career starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Friday's victory was just the Angels' 10th in their last 31 games at Minute Maid Park.
2. Houston DH Carlos Beltran is just 2-for-18 over his last four contests.
3. Los Angeles OF Shane Robinson was designated for assignment to open a roster spot for Maybin.