Two Division Leaders, Two Very Different Seasons: Astros vs. Rays

The Houston Astros will kick off their series against the Tampa Bay Rays in Tampa Bay. Coming off a series win against the Phillies, the Astros are entering this challenging series on a much-needed high note.

The leader of the West and the leader of the East will face each other, and somehow their records are drastically different; the one leader that doesn't make sense would be the Astros. The Rays are leading the East well over .500; the Astros are just barely keeping their head above water, and if anyone would bring them back under, it would be the Rays.

Here is a look at what to expect from Friday night's game:

Houston Astros @ Tampa Bay Rays

6:10 PM CT | Tropicana Field

Houston enters at 75-72, sitting first in the AL West, while Tampa Bay sits at 87-59, first in the AL East.

Miguel Ullola (0-0, 3.86 ERA, 10 K) takes the mound for Houston. The 24-year-old rookie was Houston's top pitching prospect entering the season, and he's mostly been used in relief and spot starts due to the rotation's constant injury issues. He made his MLB debut back in June, and he's shown he can miss bats when given the chance.

Drew Rasmussen (14-5, 2.88 ERA, 156 K) takes the mound for the Rays, and this is a tough one for Houston. He's a two-time All-Star and has been in the AL Cy Young conversation most of the season; he even had a scoreless streak of over 20 innings at one point.

Astros lineup:

Rays lineup:

Tampa Bay has the third-best record in all of baseball. Houston is just trying to stay above water. The Astros have taken two of their last three games against teams like the Yankees and Phillies, so there's reason for some optimism heading in, even against a team this good.

A win Friday night would be a real statement, the kind that shows this team can hang with anyone.