Angels at Astros
The Houston Astros get their first look at Shohei Ohtani when the Japanese two-way sensation starts on the mound for the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. Ohtani departed his last turn after two innings due to a blister on his pitching hand and insisted all along that he would make the start against the defending World Series champions.
Three-time American League batting champion Jose Altuve is looking forward to facing Ohtani, while Josh Reddick wasn't quite as respectful. "He's just another pitcher," Reddick told reporters. "It's all about hype, so you have to go in there and do your thing against another pitcher. Obviously, you're excited to face him and see what he's about, but I don't think we're worried at all." The Astros had their six-game winning streak halted in Monday's opener of the three-game set as they were blanked 2-0 and managed just four hits in seven innings against Los Angeles starter Tyler Skaggs. The Angels, who are a stellar 10-1 on the road, are just a one-half game behind Houston in the American League West despite winning just two of their last seven contests.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Shohei Ohtani (2-1, 3.60 ERA) vs. Astros RH Charlie Morton (3-0, 0.72)
Ohtani gave up three runs and four hits while walking two during his abbreviated outing against Boston on April 17 as he suffered his first loss. The 23-year-old dominated Oakland in his previous start as he struck out 12 while allowing one hit and one walk over seven scoreless innings. Ohtani has registered 19 strikeouts in 15 frames while limiting opposing batters to a .154 average.
Morton leads the AL in ERA and has struck out 33 batters in 25 innings. The 34-year-old, who has given up just 16 hits and six walks, is coming off a victory in which he blanked Seattle on three hits over seven frames. Morton is 3-0 with a 3.14 ERA in five career starts against the Angels and has handled Zack Cozart (1-for-14) and Mike Trout (2-for-11) while struggling with Martin Maldonado (6-for-10).
WALK-OFFS
1. The Astros outscored the opposition 47-6 during their six-game winning streak and have allowed just 10 runs over their last eight contests.
2. Trout is 7-for-14 with three homers, four RBIs, four runs scored, three stolen bases, two doubles and two walks over his last four games.
3. Altuve recorded two hits in the opener and is 12-for-29 with six RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak.