Foltynewicz called up, Marisnick starting, and former Astro Happ on the mound. What more could you ask for?
Houston Astros (44-65) vs.Toronto Blue Jays (60-50), 7:10 p.m. (CST)
TV: CSN Houston, MLB.TV
Radio: KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM
Blue Jays SBNation Blog: Bluebird Banter
Pitching matchup
RHP Collin McHugh (4-9, 3.45 ERA, 1.12 WHIP) vs. J.A. Happ (8-5, 4.58 ERA, 1.51 WHIP)
Preview
Today is bursting with storylines - Mike Foltynewicz has been called up, Jake Marisnick makes his Astros debut, J.A. Happ returns to Houston, and (my personal choice) it's Lance Berkman bobblehead day. So there is a lot going on, but let's look at tonight's starters first.
Collin McHugh has been snakebit these past few starts, he is 0-6 with a 4.46 ERA in last six starts. He gave up four earned runs over 6.1 innings on Saturday. He hasn't been as sharp at home, posting a 4.75 in 47.1 innings and five home runs in last two starts. That said he still near the top of the AL in opponents' batting average (.202) and strikeouts (102 in 88.2 innings).
Juan Francisco and Jose Reyes have previously faced McHugh. Francisco is 1-for-3 with a home run, and Reyes is 1-for-1 with a triple.
Former Astros J.A. Happ takes the mound for the Jays tonight. Happ has had a solid season and bounced back nicely from his line drive scare in 2013 to hold down a rotation for Toronto. Happ last appearance before the All-Star break was out of the pen - he gave up two runs over 0.2 innings. Since the break, he has been sharp - giving up three runs in just 11.1 innings.
Two active Astros have previously faced Happ in their careers. Chris Carter is 0-for-2 with a walk. Starting first baseman tonight, Jesus Guzman is 2-for-9.
Jake Marisnick makes his first start for the Astros after being included in the Jarred Cosart trade. Marisnick with Triple-A New Orleans was batting .277 (95-343) with 30 extra-base hits, 40 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases. Marisnick will be in center and bat seventh.
Top prospect Mike Foltynewicz has been called up to get some seasoning in the bullpen. He has a 7-7 record with a 5.08 ERA with 102 strikeouts to 52 walks in 21 starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City. MLB.com ranked him fourth in Houston' top ten propsects list. Folty's key to success is locating his lighting quick fastball.