Today begins the last leg on the race for the playoffs in 2020. This is the first of 13 games in 13 days which will determine whether the Astros can maintain their 2.5 lead over the Seattle Mariners for second place in the AL West. Dropping to third will almost certainly disqualify the Astros for a playoff berth.
The Astros desperately need to reverse the momentum of their 2 -9 road trip, but facing the Rangers at home may be just the spur they need.
Jose Urquidy makes his third start for the Astros tonight. In 9.