Javier vs. Wheeler: Can the Astros Salvage This Series?

The Houston Astros dropped a wild 11-7 game to the Phillies Wednesday night, and now they're looking to salvage the series finale before heading to Tampa Bay. On paper the Phillies should take this series with ease, but the Astros have been putting up a serious fight, and you never know what you're going to get from this team. Here is what to expect for the final game of the series.

Houston Astros @ Philadelphia Phillies

12:05 PM CT | Citizens Bank Park

Houston enters at 74-72, while Philadelphia sits at 82-64.

Here is a look at the pitching matchup for Thursday afternoon's series finale:

Cristian Javier (2-5, 5.98 ERA, 50 SO) takes the mound for Houston. It's been a rough season for Javier and he still seems to be working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and he hasn't found consistent form since returning. He's allowed four or more runs in three of his last four outings, and Houston will need a much better version of him to have any shot in this one.

Zack Wheeler (12-5, 3.23 ERA, 163 SO) takes the mound for Philadelphia, and this is a challenging matchup for Houston. He went through a rough patch in August, including his worst start of the year against Seattle, but he's bounced back since, six innings, one run, nine strikeouts in his last outing against the Braves. His dominant form looks to be back, and the Astros lineup needs to be ready.

Astros lineup:

Phillies lineup:

Between Javier's season of struggles and Wheeler's elite arm, this isn't a great matchup on paper for Houston. But after Wednesday's back-and-forth slugfest, nothing about this series has been predictable. The Astros will need their bats to show up again if they want to salvage the finale and end this series with a much-needed win. The Astros have the power, and they have the talent, but so do the Phillies and then some. Most importantly, Javier can not give up a game-ending pitch like AJ Blubaugh did.