Houston Astros: Analyzing the starting pitching matchups for the ALDS

Game three: Dallas Keuchel vs. Mike Clevinger

Dallas Keuchel probably the most roller roster season out of all of the Houston Astros starting pitchers. Sometimes, Keuchel looked like the guy that won a Cy Young award just three years ago. Other times, he looked like the guy that a 5.00+ ERA two years in a row.

In spite of the perception of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde season, Keuchel was actually pretty solid this year. The vast majority of his starts that went poorly, he had one bad inning that the team simply couldn’t fully recover from. On the year, he had a 3.74 ERA, 1,31 WHIP, and struck out 153 batters though, he did give up a league leading 211 hits.

Mike Clevinger, on the other hand, had the best year of his young career this season. He reached the 200+ inning and 200+ strikeout plateaus for the first time in his career. He also made all of his appearances in starts this year when in his previous two years, he’s worked both as a starter and reliever.

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However, in spite of his really good season, Clevinger has had a rough time against the Astros this year, surrendering eight runs in 11+ innings of work. Keuchel has been about the same as Clevinger. He’s allowed six scores in 14+ frames. So, according to previous matchups, this one is kind of a toss up.

However, there are other factors to consider. Keuchel has a lot more experience and has more playoff experience. He also has been on a little bit of a downswing in recent weeks. Has been pitching well the past two months slowly making his stats better and better.

So, I’m going to give a slight nod Clevinger in this matchup. Though, it may end up being a true toss up. Clevinger has just been pitching better recently and will likely bring his best stuff in his first career postseason start.

So that’s one advantage going both ways and one push. However, the Houston Astros have the tiebreaker in my opinion. The Astros simply have a better bullpen than the Indians this year and when the game gets beyond the starters, the Astros just have the clear advantage.