ANDl left-handed Framber Valdez to start with the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. The 27-year-old comes from the best start of any pitcher this postseason, by pitching 8 innings and just one run allowed to take a 3-2 lead against the Red Sox in the American League Championship Series.
His opponent will be right-hander Charlie Morton. The pitcher will play his second consecutive World Series, since last year he was part of the team of the Tampa Bay Rays who lost in six games to the Atlanta Braves.
The Astros didn’t offer much up-to-date information on the ace’s health. Lance McCullers Jr., who was removed from the roster for the AL championship series due to a right arm injury. McCullers hasn’t started pitching, but general manager James Click isn’t ruling out his return.
“We are not taking anything off the table”Click said. “Let’s see how he is doing. This is the World Series, so obviously it’s something I know that. Lance wants to participate, if possible. So we will talk with the doctors, with him and with the coaches and we will go from there. “
Astros manager Dusty Baker mentioned that he expects a tough opponent for his next game. “When you get to the last two teams, you can’t miss anyone”
There is also a family connection between teams. The coach Troy Snitker of the Astros is the son of the Braves coach. Both of them have mentioned the possibility of meeting in the World Series after their teams missed the Fall Classic last year by one game. “It’s unbelievable,” Troy Snitker mentioned. “It was something we were praying for and hoping would happen. For our family, I don’t know if we can ambition something bigger than this ” .
The Astros manager was asked who he thinks his mom will support. “I have no idea” he said with a smile. “I don’t know if she’s going to clap or cry. I think it’s going to be a disaster. It’s great to think about two sides at home. Only one of us will arrive with the trophy.”
The first two games of the Fall Classic will be held in Houston, to move three more games to Atlanta and return to Southeast Texas for the final two, in case they are needed.