Astros open a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians tonight at Daikin Park.
Tatsuya Imai takes the mound against Tanner Bibee. This is a tougher test than the last two series, and it is crucial that Imai has a better performance than his last outing. Cleveland is one of the better teams in the AL, and this series could easily get away from the Astros if they start to unravel. When the pitching and the offense are clicking, Houston can be dangerous, but if they fall apart on the mound, everything else could easily unravel.
Imai is 3-3 with a 6.43 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP through nine starts, per MLB. His walk rate has been the biggest concern, 24 walks in just 35 innings. His last outing on June 12 in Kansas City was rough. He didn't make it through a full inning. But Imai has the talent, he proved that in the no-hitter, but can he develop the consistency he absolutely needs is the real question.
The Astros actually skipped him once in the rotation since his last rough outing. Friday is a big chance for him to get back on track and be the pitcher they signed.
Tanner Bibee takes the mound for Cleveland. His record is just 2-7, per MLB, but that is misleading based on his most recent outings. He has been producing well in his last seven starts. He can miss bats when he is on, and the Astros need to be sharp early to make sure the game doesn't slip away.
The Astros are coming off back to back series wins and trying to build real momentum. Cleveland is a legitimate playoff contender, a different challenge than Detroit or Kansas City. The Astros bullpen has been the best in the AL since May 15, which gives them a real chance even in a tough series. A series win here would be a real statement and show the Astros are moving in a different direction as we get further into the summer months.
This is the kind of series that tells you what this team is really made of. Imai needs to bounce back, and the Astros need to prove they can hang with good teams if they want to avoid watching the playoffs from home for a second season.
