One of 2020’s most interesting storylines will take place on Tuesday, June 28 and Wednesday, June 29 when the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers face off. This two-game series marks the first time these teams play each other since the Astros sign-stealing scandal of 2017 was revealed to the world. The Dodgers, of course, were the victim of that nefarious plot in the 2017 World Series. As a result, there is plenty of bad blood between these two teams. Los Angeles hasn’t been shy in their criticism of Houston. There are numerous aspects of this Astros vs Dodgers series that are worth looking at. Here is a preview of this highly anticipated showdown.
Bad Blood: Astros vs. Dodgers
As soon as MLB released the verdict of their Astros investigation, the Astros became public enemy number one in Los Angeles. Houston became the butt of plenty of jeers and criticisms from Dodgers fans everywhere. It wasn’t just fans that beat up on them, as Dodgers players took their share of shots as well.
Many Dodgers have said they are the rightful World Series champs. Perhaps the most vocal, was reigning NL MVP Cody Bellinger. He didn’t hold back in Spring Training.
“Everybody knows they stole the ring from us,” said Bellinger in February.
Bellinger went even further when he said Jose Altuve stole the MVP from Aaron Judge in 2017. The criticism of Altuve prompted Astros teammate Carlos Correa to tell Bellinger to “shut the f— up.”
This tension may not lead to any mid-game fights because penalties/suspensions are more severe in this shortened season. That being said, all eyes will be on every inside pitch or hit by pitch, and everyone will be asking if that was intentional or not. These games will be extremely competitive, as there is no shortage of bad blood between these teams.
Projected Pitching Matchups
The first game’s pitching matchup will be Walker Buehler vs Framber Valdez. Buehler is the Dodgers young superstar, but he likely won’t be allowed to go deep into the game. The right-hander built up very slowly in summer camp, so he will probably be on a pitch count or innings limit.
Rookie Dustin May was supposed to piggy-back off of Buehler, but May had to start when Clayton Kershaw was scratched Opening Day. May could still do it, but they may want to use another pitcher instead. Valdez won the final spot in the Astros rotation, so he’ll have the tough task of facing the Dodgers in his first start of the season. The young left-hander has a 4.60 ERA in 107.2 career innings.
The second pitching matchup is the aforementioned May vs whoever replaces Justin Verlander. If May isn’t used in the previous game, May will have his second start of the season. In his first start against the Giants, he went 4 1/3 innings, giving up a single run. Unfortunately, an elbow injury sidelines Verlander from facing the Dodgers. It is not yet known who will replace the reigning AL Cy Young winner. Houston has a number of young options they can turn to. They could also add top prospect Forrest Whitley to the roster and see what he can do.
Two World Series contenders will face off in the early going of this season like no other. This is round one, as these teams will meet again at Dodger Stadium, September 12th and 13th. This will be one of the most entertaining matchups in this fascinating season. There is no question, this two-game series is a must see.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
