AJ Hinch Announces Key Lineup Change for ALCS Game 3 and Pitching Plan for Game 4
By Ryan Giglio
The Houston Astros are making changes to their lineup and pitching rotation ahead of their three games in Yankee Stadium as the ALCS continues this week.
Manager AJ Hinch told reporters on Monday that Josh Reddick will start in right field during Tuesday's Game 3 against Luis Severino.
Josh Reddick will start in right field tomorrow against Luis Severino, A.J. Hinch said. Hinch hinted that would happen earlier this series.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 14, 2019
Top prospect Kyle Tucker has seen action in right field in the first two games of the series but has struggled throughout the postseason, hitting just .125 with a .347 OPS.
Hinch is surely hoping the veteran will provide a boost to an Astros lineup that has scored three runs in the series' first 20 innings.
But perhaps the bigger announcement from Hinch is that the team plans for Game 4 to be a bullpen day.
A.J. Hinch says Game 4 is a bullpen day. A lot is contingent on Game 3 and the weather.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 14, 2019
“Maybe Urquidy starts, maybe Urquidy comes in the middle of the game and we start someone with more experience,” Hinch said.
Houston's Game 4 starter will depend on which pitchers throw on Tuesday (in addition to the weather on Wednesday since heavy rain is expected in the Bronx).
José Urquidy is the most likely Astro to start the bullpen game, but Hinch said it's possible a more experienced pitcher, perhaps Brad Peacock, will start with Urquidy entering after.
With Wade Miley being left off the ALCS roster, it should come as no surprise that this is now a possibility.