Astros Release Lineup for Game 1 of ALCS
By Parker White
The Houston Astros managed to handle the Tampa Bay Rays in a five-game ALDS.
Their next task hails from the same division, as they are set to clash with the New York Yankees Saturday night in Game 1 of the ALCS. Ahead of the series-opening clash, the 'Stros have released their lineup, which remains relatively the same as what they deployed against the Rays.
#ALCS Game 1!
— Houston Astros (@astros) October 12, 2019
? CLOSED
? 4:00pm
⚾️ 7:08pm
? @MLBONFOX
? @SportsTalk790 & 850 AM#TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/2MC6CzbF2C
George Springer will assume his role as leadoff hitter, followed by the dangerous Jose Altuve and offseason acquisition Michael Brantley.
Everything looks the same until you get to the bottom of the order where Kyle Tucker will get the start in right field and bat eighth in place of veteran Josh Reddick.
Reddick, who went 1-for-10 in the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays, took the news well, according to manager A.J. Hinch.
A.J. Hinch said he met with Josh Reddick yesterday to inform him Kyle Tucker would start today. Hinch said Reddick took it well. Reddick could play in Game 3 against Luis Severino, Hinch said.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 12, 2019
This isn't the first time the highly-touted Tucker got a start in the postseason this year for Houston, as he started in right field in Game 2 of the ALDS where he went 0-for-3 with a walk and strikeout.
Toeing the rubber for Houston will be Zack Greinke, who struggled against the Rays in his lone postseason start this year. He'll hope for a better time against the Yankees, though their lineup doesn't present an easy challenge.