Series 26 (of 52) Preview: Rockies visit Houston

The Astros host the Rockies twice starting tonight at 7:10 p.m. CT.

The two clubs met earlier this season, with Houston winning both games against the Rockies at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, Mexico City, MX, on April 27-28. In the final, the Astros won 8-2. The offense supported a strong start from Framber Valdez (1-0, 2.60). He allowed two runs on five hits, with zero walks and six strikeouts. Kyle Tucker (7), Jose Altuve (7) and Jeremy Peña (3) contributed to the victory.

The first two rounds, the command was not there, but it was established. He threw some really good changeups and he gave us five innings. This is exactly what we expected from him. — Joe Espada, about Valdez

The Astros own a 104-85 record against the Rockies, a .550 winning percentage that ranks as their fifth-best record against anyone.

Game times and starting pitchers

Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. CT: Austin Gomber (1-4, 4.36) vs. Hunter Brown (4-5, 4.72)
Wednesday, 1:10 p.m. CT: Ryan Feltner (1-6, 6.02) vs. Spencer Arrighetti (3-6, 6.36)

The Astros are coming off a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, ending with an 8-1 victory on Sunday afternoon. Jose Altuve (12) went deep, collecting two hits, while Alex Bregman went four of four, Yainer Diaz three of three and Jeremy Peña three of five. Framber Valdez (6-5, 3.68) earned the win, lasting seven innings and allowing just one run on six hits and two walks. He struck out seven and had 69 of 104 pitches above the plate. Bryan King and Luis Contreras both made their major league debuts for Houston with one scoreless inning each.

I’m very proud of the guys’ effort and preparation, and we have to continue this momentum. -Bregman

The Rockies just won one out of three games at Coors Field against the Washington Nationals. In their lone win on Saturday, Ryan McMahon drove in the game-winning run with a bases-loaded clock violation called by Nats closer Kyle Finnegan.

He’s just slow, that’s who he is. He’s closer. It burned him today, but in general it didn’t burn him. — Nats manager Dave Martinez

Ranking

Houston Astros: 38-40, .487, second in the AL West, six games behind the Seattle Mariners. Tied with the Tampa Bay Rays for eighth in the American League. Tied for 15th in MLB with the Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks. Last 10: LWLWLWWWWW. At 79-83 pace, FanGraphs projected 84-78 and a 43.3 percent playoff chance.

Colorado Rockies: 27-51, .346, fifth in the NL West, 20.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last in the National League, 29th in the MLB. Last 10: LWLLLWLLWL. At 56-106 pace, FanGraphs predicted 60-102, 0.0 percent playoff chance.

Heroes and zeros (Houston’s five highest and lowest WPAs vs. Baltimore)

Jake Meyers (28.2)
Ronel Blanco (25.1)
Yainer Diaz (21.1)
Jose Altuve (18.6)
Framber Valdez (18.1)

Shawn Dubin (-1.1)
Cesar Salazar (-1.5)
Jake Bloss (-1.5)
Rafael Montero (-2.9)
Chou Trey (-6.0)