The Astros were somewhat bailed out in Game 5 when Framber Valdez tossed eight innings of one-run ball. Like, the left-hander freaking shoved. If Houston advances to their third World Series in five years, that game will likely be known as the “Framber affair” around these parts. More importantly, it provided a much-needed rest day for a bullpen that has covered all but 6 2/3 innings in the first four games of the ALCS. Other than possibly Ryne Stanek, who finished the game on Wednesday, every arm is readily available.
In turn, Luis García gets the starting nod for Game 6, and he looks to do what Valdez did in Game 5: Put a previous appearance firmly in the rearview mirror and pitch deeper into the game.