For the third time in the last five years, the Houston Astros will meet the Boston Red Sox in the postseason, as the two sides are set to face off in Game 1 of the 2021 American League Championship Series on Friday.
Ahead of the series opener, Astros manager Dusty Baker revealed on Thursday that he plans to start Framber Valdez in Game 1 and Luis Garcia in Game 2. On the other side, the Red Sox will counter with Chris Sale in Game 1 followed by Nathan Eovaldi in Game 2.
Valdez earned a start in the Astros' ALDS Game 2 win against the Chicago White Sox. While he managed to record 11 swing and misses, he failed to notch five innings as he allowed seven hits and four earned runs. He did make two starts against the Red Sox in the regular season, where he posted a 1.26 ERA in 14.1 innings pitched.
Valdez noted after the decision was made that he is much pleased with the confidence that Baker has in him.
“I feel very good about it,” Valdez said. “It means a lot that they have the confidence in me.
“I feel very proud of myself to make my own story in the postseason.”
On the other hand, Garcia is also coming off of a sluggish outing against the White Sox; he allowed five hits and five earned runs in Game 3. As with Valdez, Garcia has also had formidable success against Boston this season. For one, he allowed a mere one earned run through 7.0 innings pitched in a home start against them in June.
More so, Garcia shined at Minute Maid Park in the regular season thanks to his 2.39 ERA and 90 strikeouts recorded over 79.0 innings pitched.
For now, it remains to be seen on who will get the nod to start in Game 3 of the ALCS at Fenway Park. With Lance McCullers Jr. currently a doubt for the ALCS due to a right forearm strain injury, starters such as Zack Greinke may need to step up in his absence against a streaky Red Sox offense.
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