Bullpen clicking as Astros oppose struggling Cubs

Following what was an aberrant efficiency from ace left-hander Framber Valdez, the Houston Astros nonetheless managed to file a whopping 16 strikeouts in opposition to the Chicago Cubs on Monday

Precisely half of the credit score goes to the five-man bullpen of right-handers Phil Maton, Seth Martinez, Rafael Montero, Ryne Stanek and Hector Neris, who mixed for eight strikeouts over 5 shutout innings within the Astros‘ 6-4 victory within the opener of a three-game interleague sequence

The groups will contest the center sport on Tuesday on Houston.

Valdez recorded eight strikeouts however allowed a season-high 4 earned runs whereas working a season-low 4 innings. The bullpen picked him up, with Stanek hanging out the aspect within the eighth between a bounce-back efficiency from the scuffling Montero and a clear ninth inning from Neris, who notched his second save.

“We would have liked it,” Astros supervisor Dusty Baker mentioned of the sturdy reduction work. “Stanek, it is only a matter of if he can get forward of (hitters) as a result of his fastball was wonderful and his breaking ball was good. Maldy (catcher Martin Maldonado) stored him within the zone, in order that was an enormous plus.

That the Astros have been capable of stifle the Cubs late with out utilizing their high two relievers, Bryan Abreu and nearer Ryan Pressly, was an additional benefit at the beginning of a six-game homestand

“It was good that we may give these different guys a break,” Baker mentioned.

Proper-hander Cristian Javier (3-1, 3.47 ERA) has the beginning project for the Astros on Tuesday. In his earlier outing, he fanned a season-high 11 batters whereas permitting two runs on three hits and issuing only one stroll in a 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. It was his fifth look this season through which he walked one or none

It marked his second double-digit strikeout efficiency this season and the fifth of his profession, with three of these coming in opposition to the Angels.

Javier will make his first profession look in opposition to the Cubs. He’s 1-2 with a 4.26 ERA in 16 profession interleague appearances (9 begins)

Left-hander Justin Steele (6-0, 1.82 ERA) is the scheduled starter on Tuesday for Chicago, which has misplaced three video games in a row and 6 of the previous eight.

He had his streak of 14 consecutive appearances permitting two runs or fewer snapped in his earlier begin on Wednesday in opposition to the St. Louis Cardinals. Steele surrendered three runs on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts over six innings in a 10-4 victory.

Steele, who has registered seven high quality begins in eight outings this season, shall be making his first profession look in opposition to Houston.

Among the many 5 roster strikes made by Chicago on Monday, one possible signaled the pending return of veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks.

The Cubs optioned rookie starter Hayden Wesneski to Triple-A Iowa, opening the door for Hendricks to rejoin the rotation within the close to future. Hendricks has missed your complete season whereas recovering from shoulder woes however is on the mend following 4 current rehab begins

With off days bracketing their upcoming three-game weekend sequence in opposition to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Cubs would not want Hendricks to make a begin till someday late subsequent week

“There isn’t any choices previous (Monday),” Cubs supervisor David Ross mentioned. “We now have some off days developing. He’ll are available in and possibly throw a (bullpen session) with us earlier than his subsequent begin.

–Subject Stage Media