Playing in the American League East provides Baltimore a unique challenge. The rebuilding Birds are forced to face several difficult opponents while aching for an easier matchup. Baltimore will start a three-game series against a non-divisional opponent this evening, but will not receive any reprieve.
The Astros currently sit atop the AL West standings. Houston holds a one-game advantage over Oakland in the loss column, and it comes to Baltimore fresh off a sweep of the AL-Central leading White Sox.
The Astros lead all of baseball with a .274 team average. The club features several heavy hitters including Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley, Carlos Correa, Yordan Alvarez and others.