Houston @ New York preview
Citi Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 24, 2012 ) Houston 3, NY Mets 1
The Houston Astros finally gave interim manager Tony DeFrancesco something to cheer in the series opener. After snapping a seven-game losing skid, the visiting Astros will vie for two in a row on Saturday when they face the struggling New York Mets. Tyler Greene homered to lead off the seventh inning as Houston posted just its eighth win in 51 contests with a 3-1 victory in the series opener. The victory was DeFrancesco's first in the majors.
David Wright accounted for his team's lone offense as he belted his 200th career homer. New York, however, continues to struggle at the plate - recording two runs or less in seven consecutive contests. The Mets, who have lost six in a row, have scored just six runs over the first five games of their homestand.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSH (Houston), WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Fernando Abad (0-0, 3.86 ERA) vs. Mets RH R.A. Dickey (15-4, 2.82 ERA)
Abad will make his first career start after recording 81 career appearances - including 30 this season. The 26-year-old Dominican struck out one in a scoreless inning of relief versus the Mets on May 2. Abad, who will come up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start Saturday's contest, was optioned to the minors on July 28 to clear a spot for Armando Galarraga.
Dickey traded wins and losses in his previous six starts before settling for a well-pitched no-decision on Monday against Colorado. The veteran knuckleballer permitted one run on three hits in seven innings. Dickey is just 1-2 in his career versus Houston, although he recorded a quality start against the Astros on April 30.
WALK-OFFS
1. DeFrancesco admitted that he would have no issues welcoming veteran hurler Roger Clemens to the team, should that move come about. "If the Astros feel that it's time for him to come up here, then it's their decision, but I have nothing against Roger - he's a Hall of Fame pitcher," DeFrancesco said.
2. Mets 2B Justin Turner started in place of struggling Daniel Murphy on Friday. Turner is expected to play on Saturday, giving him his first back-to-back starts since June 20-22.
3. Houston OF Justin Maxwell did not start the team's last three games due to a bruised right index finger. He is listed as day-to-day.