Astros Drop ALCS Game 5 Lineup as They Look to Earn World Series Berth

The Houston Astros don't have to make many tweaks to the lineup because of how their offense is performing in the ALCS, but with left-hander James Paxton on the mound, manager A.J. Hinch made a couple of adjustments.

The first five in the batting order will remain the same, but because he's been the star of this series, shortstop Carlos Correa will switch spots with Yordan Alvarez and bat sixth. Alvarez has been perhaps the only disappointment for the Astros this postseason, as the Rookie of the Year candidate has gone ice cold in his first playoff experience.

You can understand Correa moving up against a lefty. We know what he did earlier in the series against a southpaw.

The only defensive change is Jake Marisnick replacing Josh Reddick and getting the start in center field. George Springer, fresh off another dinger in Game 4, will move over and play right field. Marisnick will hit ninth to round out the Astros lineup.

Houston can punch their ticket to the World Series with another road win on Friday night, joining the Washington Nationals in the fall classic.