Astros look to bounce back tonight against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Peter Lambert takes the mound against Shane Bieber, who is making his first start of the season. A really interesting matchup between two very different stories.
Lambert is currently 6-4 with a 3.23 ERA and 58 strikeouts, per MLB. He has given the Astros length and reliable starts all season. His last start against the Tigers was excellent, seven innings, one earned run, and just two hits allowed.
On the other side, Bieber is making his first start since elbow surgery. The 2020 AL Cy Young winner with Cleveland last pitched in relief during the 2025 World Series. He went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA for Toronto last season after being acquired from Cleveland, per CBS Sports. His rehab assignments were a bit rocky, posting a 6.88 ERA across five outings, but he reached 93 mph and got up to 80 pitches in his final tune up, so he should not have any major restrictions tonight.
The Astros dropped the series opener Monday and need to even things up. Toronto is sitting right at .500 and trying to build some momentum at home. A win tonight keeps the series alive heading into the finale tomorrow.
Lambert has been steady and reliable all year, exactly what the Astros need in a bounce back spot. Bieber's return adds intrigue, but the rust is a real factor working in Houston's favor. The Astros need to take advantage of a pitcher who is still working his way back into form.
