Nationals at Astros
The Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals ran away with their divisions months ago, but both are still trying to fine-tune over the last six weeks of the regular season. The two will get a chance to test themselves against each other in a possible World Series preview when the Astros host the Nationals in the opener of a three-game interleague series on Tuesday.
Washington began its seven-game road trip by taking three of four from the San Diego Padres behind a pitching staff that surrendered a total of six runs in the series. The Nationals placed ace Max Scherzer (neck) on the disabled list last week but still have a staff so deep that it has allowed three or fewer runs in seven straight games and 10 of the last 11. The Astros pitched well over the weekend as well, allowing a total of one run in two wins over the Oakland Athletics on Friday and Saturday, but watched the defense let the pitching down in a 3-2 loss in Sunday's finale. Houston, which won four of its last six games, will send Charlie Morton to the mound on Tuesday while Washington counters with Tanner Roark.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Washington), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (9-8, 4.70 ERA) vs. Astros RH Charlie Morton (10-5, 3.69)
Roark pitched well against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday but could not get enough support from his offense to earn the win while allowing three runs and four hits in seven innings. The Illinois native surrendered three or fewer runs in each of his last three starts despite notching just 11 strikeouts in that span. Roark won his lone previous start against Houston and is 6-7 with a 2.94 ERA in 18 career interleague games.
Morton is 3-1 with a 2.53 ERA in his last five starts and struck out nine while yielding one run on three hits over 6 1/3 innings against Arizona on Wednesday. The 33-year-old owns 119 strikeouts in 107 1/3 inning and needs just eight more to set a career high in the category. Morton spent his first nine seasons in the National League and is 2-4 with a 6.27 ERA in eight starts against Washington.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros SS Carlos Correa (thumb) is expected to take on-field batting practice Tuesday for the first time since going on the disabled list July 17.
2. Washington OF Jayson Werth (fractured foot) and SS Trea Turner (fractured wrist) begin rehab assignments at Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.
3. Houston C Evan Gattis (concussion), RHP Will Harris (shoulder) and LHP Tony Sipp (calf) are expected to begin rehab assignments at Double-A Corpus Christi on Tuesday.