Big news! Max Scherzer will not pitch tonight for the Nationals, complaining of back pains. So tonight’s pitching matchup is between Joe Ross and the Houston ace, Gerrit Cole.
Astros: Hinch started designated hitter Yordan Alvarez in left field for Game 5, keeping Josh Reddick on the bench for the second game in a row, with Michael Brantley sliding to right field and George Springer to center. Martín Maldonado will catch Cole despite Robinson Chirinos hitting homers in consecutive games.
6) Yordan Alvarez, LF
7) Carlos Correa, SS
Nationals: The offense has gone quiet the past two games, a product of being unable to cash in their chances with runners in scoring position.