Houston Astros: Zack Greinke should start in a postponed Game 4

Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke should start in a postponed Game 4 as he’s the best man for the job. Why is that the case? Let’s take a look.

The Houston Astros were able to conjure up an impressive 4-1 win over the New York Yankees last night in a game that was certainly deemed as a must-win by our team. Why? They needed to continue the momentum they had back a Minute Maid Park, where Carlos Correa‘s walk-off shot heard around the world catapulted the Houston Astros to tie up the series 1-1.

One couldn’t have scripted a better ending to that game and it was imperative that the team keep that momentum going into Game 2. It certainly did as Jose Altuve was able to hit a solo homer — his 12th of the postseason — to set the tone for the rest of the game.

I’m sure fans were barely getting settled in their seats before Altuve was able to go full launch off the first pitch from Luis Severino. I’m so appreciative of having such a rare talent of his stature on this team as when things are tough, he’s usually the one to help will this team to win.

Altuve was involved in each of their four runs yesterday and he refused to let his team go by the wayside with his admirable competitive spirit. This is what playoff-mode Jose looks like and what we’ve all come to expect with him taking things into overdrive.

I’d expect him to have the same level of tenacity that he has through the rest of the postseason, however long that may be.

But enough of the flattery of Altuve, it’s time to talk about who the Game 4 starter will be which has now been postponed because of inclement weather in New York.

Had the game had gone on today, it would’ve been prudent to start Brad Peacock with Jose Urquidy in tow to get the team to the latter stages of the game. But now they have an extra day off, they can skip them and go straight to Zack Greinke for Game 4.

The MLB has announced that Game 4 will be played Thursday at 7:08 p.m. CDT and that Game 5

More from House of Houston

will be played Friday at 6:08 p.m. CDT. If Game 6 is necessary back in Houston, hopefully not, the first pitch will be at 8:08 p.m. CDT.

Since Greinke will have completed his full span of rest, it’s best to start him tomorrow night, followed by Justin Verlander Friday and start Gerrit Cole on short rest if the game is needed Saturday with the bullpen filling out the rest.

Although Greinke had an abysmal showing in his ALDS debut where he gave up six earned runs to the Tampa Bay Rays, he shored things up in Game 1, tossing six strikeouts and giving up just three earned runs through 6.0 innings pitched, keeping the damage the Yankees did to a minimum.

The Houston Astros offense was lifeless and could not put up a run on the board, getting blanked 7-0 in the opening game of the series.

Astros: How Brad Peacock's expertise could be used in the ALCS. dark. Next

My, how the tables have turned since then and the Houston Astros have regained the momentum in this series.

But all in all, Greinke should get the ball for tomorrow night and I think he’ll be just fine as it seems that he’s back into focus once again.

Good luck to you Zack — go Houston Astros!

Home/Houston Astros