2019 MLB ALCS Game 1 – New York Yankees @ Houston Astros Preview & Pick
THE FACTS
When is New York Yankees @ Houston Astros taking place? Sunday 13th October, 2019 – 01:08 (UK)
Where is New York Yankees @ Houston Astros taking place? Minute Maid Park
What is the expected weather for New York Yankees @ Houston Astros? Mostly clear, 20c
What television channel is New York Yankees @ Houston Astros on? BT Sport 1 in the UK / FOX, FOX-INT in the US
Where can I stream New York Yankees @ Houston Astros? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or app in the UK / MLB.tv in the US
Where can I get tickets for New York Yankees @ Houston Astros? https://www.mlb.com/tickets/season-tickets
What was the outcome in the last meeting? New York Yankees 4-9 Houston Astros
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW YORK YANKEES
- The Yankees have had several days to rest and prepare for the American League Championship Series (ALCS) since they swept the Minnesota Twins, winning all three games and averaging 7.67 runs scored per game over that span. They ended the regular season on a two-game losing run and dropping four of their last five games, so the win against the Twins will have boosted the franchise’s morale considerably.
- The Yankees are expected to have Aaron Hicks back for the ALCS, as he has recovered quicker than expected from his elbow issues, but C.C. Sabathia remains on the bubble in regard to his availability. Aroldis Chapman is also expected to make the ALCS roster despite dealing with a hand injury.
- The Yankees manager Aaron Boone has decided to go with Masahiro Tanaka in Game 1, followed by James Paxton and Luis Severino as both teams set their pitching rotations for the opening three games but deferred making a decision for Game 4 just yet.
HOUSTON ASTROS
- The Astros needed all five games to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Divisional Series (ALDS), but ended the regular season on a three-game winning streak and won their three games at Minute Maid Park against the Rays so they should be filled with confidence ahead of this contest especially since they were one of the best home teams in MLB during the 2019 campaign (AL-best 60-21 record at home).
- The Astros have not announced their roster for the ALCS, although they will carry 12 pitchers and not 11 like they did in the previous series against the Tampa Bay Rays. It’s also worth noting that the Astros do not have injury concerns ahead of the ALCS, so they will have a full lineup led by Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and rookie sensation Yordan Alvarez.
- Zack Greinke will be the starter for Game 1 and that decision was somewhat natural given the fact he went 18-5 with a 2.93 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP during the regular season but the 35-year-old veteran allowed six earned runs in only 3.2 innings during his lone playoff start this year.
THE PREDICTION
The Astros have a better rotation than the Yankees and their line-up was more consistent during the 2019 regular season, but the Yankees have looked excellent during the playoffs and Greinke struggled badly during his first playoff appearance of the campaign. Pitching will probably decide matchup but considering the Astros’ form at home and consistency throughout the year, they’re expected to win Game 1 of the ALCS.
