Game No. 44 Preview: Houston Astros at Detroit Tigers

Houston Astros (27-16) at Detroit Tigers (26-17), May 23, 2015 3:08 PM CDT

TV: Roots Sports SW, MLB.TV 
Radio: KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM
Tigers SBNation Blog: Bless You Boys

Pitching matchup

RHP Lance McCullers (0-0, 1.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) vs. LHP Kyle Lobstein (3-4, 4.29 ERA, 1.40 WHIP)

Preview

Welp, J.D. Martinez strikes again. Martinez only reminding Astros fans what they are missing with him in Detroit. But good or J.D. Martinez for turning his career around. He wouldn't have gotten the level of playing time he need to flourish in 2014 in Houston. He didn't figure everything out till he was in the Tigers minor league system.

Moving on to players actually on the Astros roster. Lance McCullers is making his second start as major leaguer today. McCullers pitched 4 2/3 innings in his first, Monday against the A's. He struck five, walked three, and allowed one run on three hits.

This of course is McCullers first time facing the Tigers, who are second in the league with .280 average against right-handed pitchers.

Kyle Lobstein is making his 14th career start today. More than half of Lobstein's starts this season have been of the quality variety.  Lobstein rebounded tough start where he didn't get out of the third inning against the Twins on May 13, with 6 2/3 strong innings of three-run baseball against the Brewers.

The Astros have struggled against left-handed pitching this season batting .222, but lead the league in home runs (19) against lefties. This will also be the first time any active Astros faces Lobstein.

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