OAKLAND -- Having disposed of the team with the worst record in the American League, the Oakland Athletics turn their attention to the defending champions when they open a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Monday night.
The clubs met in Houston late in April, with the Astros taking two of three.
The AL West rivals have headed in different directions since then, with the A's winning four of six and the Astros losing five of seven.
The series begins with half of the same pitching matchup as the opener in Houston, a game won 8-1 by the A's, bombing Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel (1-5, 3.