Jeffrey Springs (8-7, 4.34 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 90 strikeouts); Astros: Ryan Gusto (6-3, 4.46 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 77 strikeouts) BOTTOM LINE: The Athletics face the Houston Astros with a 1-0 series lead. Houston has a 60-43 record overall and a 33-20 record in home games.

Even with four regulars on the injured list, Houston Astros manager Joe Espada stuck with his scheduled off days for Jose Altuve and Cam Smith on Wednesday in the finale of a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.

The Seattle Mariners will hand the ball to George Kirby (4-5, 4.65 ERA), who is looking for win No. 5 on the season, and the Angels will counter with Tyler Anderson (2-6, 4.43 ERA). Logan Evans (5.0 IP,