HOUSTON — The Yankees’ first visit to Houston since the 2019 ALCS won’t be about issuing paybacks for losing or the Astros’ cheating.
There are more pressing issues to be focused on. This last series before the All-Star break will either create some momentum for a potential second-half run or be another dagger to what’s been a very disappointing first half.
First pitch for Friday night’s series opener at Minute Maid Park is 8:10 p.m., EST.
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The Yankees began this two-city roadtrip by taking two of three from the Seattle Mariners, but their three-game winning streak ended Thursday when they were one-hit in a 4-0 loss. That setback left the Yankees with a 44-42 record.
The Yankees’ lineup is without first baseman Luke Voit, who isn’t playing the day after he was hit by a pitch in the right hand during Thursday’s game in Seattle.
The Astros’ lineup is missing start shortstop Carlos Correa, who is sick and may not be available to play in a reserve role.
The pitching matchup has Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes (0-0, 1.29) facing Astros right-hander Jake Odorizzi (3-3, 3.70).
This will be the second start for Cortes, who gave the Yankees’ a badly-needed lift in his first last Sunday in Game 2 of their Subway Series doubleheader by holding the Mets to one run and two hits over 3 1/3 innings. The Yanks won the game to snap a losing streak.
The Yankees probably will have their hands full with Odorizzi, who is 3-1 with a 2.16 ERA over his last seven outings, six as a starter.
Here is the Yankees’ lineup:
1. DJ LeMahieu 1B
2. Aaron Judge RF
3. Gary Sanchez C
4. Giancarlo Stanton DH
5. Gleyber Torres SS
6. Rougned Odor 2B
7. Gio Urshela 3B
8. Brett Gardner CF
9. Tyler Wade, LF
Nestor Cortes, LHP
Here is the Astros’ lineup:
1. Jose Altuve, 2B
2. Myles Straw, CF
3. Michael Brantley, LF
4. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
5. Yordan Alvarez, DH
6. Kyle Tucker, RF
7. Abraham Toro, 3B
8. Jason Castro, C
9. Robel Garcia, SS
Jake Odorizzi, RHP
Here are other recent Yankees’ posts on NJ.com to check out:
— Yankees returning to scene of crime, and Astros will be rubbing it in
— How Yankees’ staff, players are handling Aroldis Chapman’s worst slump ever
— Bad blood? Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu, Mariners’ Kendall Graveman engage in post-game stare down
— Hapless Yankees 1-hit in 4-0 loss to Mariners
— Zack Britton feels ready after live BP, but likely out until after break
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