Astros in L.A. for rematch of World Series
Altuve, Correa, McCann remain on DL, while Dodgers make do with Seager out for year
Finally, they meet again: The Astros visit Los Angeles this weekend for the first series involving the two teams that played in last year’s World Series since Houston claimed its first Major League Baseball title on Nov. 1.
LOS ANGELES — Music began to play inside a clubhouse beset by injury and shrouded with anticipation for the pending arrival of a mysterious acquisition. The first notes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication” blared, followed by two other songs announcing the Astros’ next destination.
The team dressed and departed Seattle merrily. Snapping the longest losing streak of their season while capturing a series and widening their lead in the American League West — all while four of their foundational players sat the bench — gave the Astros cause for giddiness.
“It’s nice to see us win a series, especially against these guys, while beat up, a lot going on around our team,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Good to get out of here and get to the next city.”
It is one that, for however long this franchise plays baseball, will live in its lore — the site of a completed overhaul and where the Astros sealed their first World Series championship.
But this, a three-game interleague series against the Dodgers, is a World Series rematch in name only. The two rosters are shells of the past, rewritten by injuries and trade-deadline acquisitions. Two days after the All-Star Game, the Dodgers added Orioles shortstop Manny Machado, the crown jewel of the non-waiver trade deadline. On Tuesday’s deadline day, they pried second baseman Brian Dozier from the Twins.
Monday, the Astros acquired Roberto Osuna, the vilified Blue Jays closer who carries a charge of domestic abuse. He will join the club in Los Angeles on Sun-
day, adding another layer to what should be a frenzied threeday stretch both teams want to view for what is: three games in August.
“We haven’t circled it,” Hinch said after Wednesday’s win. “But I will remind them of what happened last time we were there.”
Eleven members of the Astros’ 25-man World Series roster will not contribute. A 12th may not, either, though reigning World Series Most Valuable Player George Springer seems fine after injuring his left shoulder during Tuesday’s 5-2 win over the Mariners.
Just 13 of the Dodgers’ World Series participants remain on their current active 25-man roster.
Both teams are combating crippling health problems. Three of the Astros’ most recognizable names — Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Brian McCann — reside on the disabled list.
The Dodgers will not have shortstop Corey Seager, who underwent Tommy John surgery, for the rest of the season. Clayton Kershaw spent two separate stints on the disabled list earlier this year, too, although he is back and pitched Thursday night against the Brewers.
All absences can be mitigated by emergences.
Max Muncy, a veteran of 245 major league plate appearances before this season, has the highest OPS of any Dodgers hitter. Matt Kemp, who earlier this decade made a case as baseball’s best hitter, is also experiencing a late career resurgence in his second L.A. stint.
Without their middle infield — and two faces of their franchise — the Astros must create somewhat of a hodgepodge. Alex Bregman rotates between second base and shortstop with Marwin Gonzalez. Yuli Gurriel can sometimes man second base, too.
Minor league fill-ins J.D. Davis and Tyler White are often asked to man the corners. White, who cracked last season’s ALDS roster, is 5 for his last 11. Davis is playing commendable defense at third base, adeptly handling backhanded stabs and charging plays with his cannon of a right arm — one he used for pitching at Cal State Fullerton.
“Had a chance to play in Triple-A with some of these guys we have down there, and you guys have had a chance to see them. It’s a deep system,” Jake Marisnick said. “There’s a lot of good players in this system, and it’s fun to watch these guys work.”
Marisnick was recalled Wednesday, just in time for this trip home. The outfielder was born less than an hour from Los Angeles. A thumb injury last season — the best of his six-year major league career — prevented him from participating in the World Series.
Fitting for the roster the Astros bring to Los Angeles.
“We're going to run into some very good pitching,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “For what that's worth, each game is one game, but you do want to bring your best playing against a championship team.”