Astros at Rangers
Jose Altuve looks for his third consecutive multi-hit outing in the series when the Houston Astros visit the Texas Rangers on Saturday in the third contest of a four-game set. The three-time American League batting champion had two hits, including a two-run homer, in Houston's 7-3 victory on Friday and is 5-for-9 in the series as the Astros won the first two contests.
Altuve is batting .362 in 47 at-bats against Texas this season and also sports an overall six-game hitting streak, going 10-for-23 during the stretch. Alex Bregman homered for the second straight contest and is 9-for-29 with three homers and seven RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak. Texas designated hitter Shin-Soo Choo is 4-for-7 with a homer and two walks in the series and has reached base in each of his past 24 games - the longest current streak in the majors. The Rangers are just 13-21 in their home ballpark after allowing 12 runs in the first two games of the series.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, Fox
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Charlie Morton (7-1, 2.84 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (4-4, 5.76)
Morton won his first seven decisions of the season before getting pummeled for six runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings while losing to Boston on Sunday. The 34-year-old has served up four homers in 11 1/3 innings over his last two turns while allowing nine runs and 17 hits. Morton is 1-0 with 26 strikeouts and only one walk in 13 innings against Texas this season and is 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA in five career starts against the Rangers while dominating Joey Gallo (0-for-12, 11 strikeouts).
Minor was 2-3 in May despite a porous 6.96 ERA and surrendered nine homers in six starts during the month. The 30-year-old lost to Seattle in his last outing on May 31 when he gave up five runs - four earned - and six hits over five innings. Minor is 0-1 with a 6.52 ERA in two outings against Houston this season and stands 1-2 with a 5.17 ERA in eight career appearances (five starts).
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros SS Carlos Correa (side) missed his second straight game on Friday, Brian McCann (knee) was activated from the 10-day disabled list and fellow C Tim Federowicz was designated for assignment.
2. Texas 2B Rougned Odor hasn't driven in a run over the last nine contests.
3. Houston RF George Springer is 9-for-26 with two homers, five RBIs and five walks in seven June games.