The Astros open a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow night at Daikin Park. Spencer Arrighetti is set to take the mound against Rays RHP Nick Martinez, per MLB.
After back-to-back rough outings, Arrighetti has a chance to remind everyone why he was one of the best pitchers in baseball in the first half of the season. He has been dealing with some long ball trouble lately, but his underlying numbers still show a pitcher who is capable of dominating. Tomorrow is a big opportunity to get back on track.
On the other side, Nick Martinez takes the mound for Tampa Bay. The Rays are a tough team to figure out, and Martinez has been solid for them this season. The Astros will need to be sharp offensively to get to him early.
The bigger picture here is that the Astros just had their five game series winning streak snapped by the Twins. A bounce back series against Tampa Bay would go a long way toward keeping the momentum alive heading into the All-Star break. The Astros are still right in the thick of the AL West race and cannot afford to let this stretch get away from them.
Arrighetti on the mound with something to prove is a good sign for Houston. The Astros need this one. The offense has been clicking lately, and if Arrighetti can give them five or six solid innings, this is a very winnable game for Houston.
