Hinch coy on starter for possible Game 7
Not surprisingly, Astros manager A.J. Hinch declined to say who would start a potential ALCS Game 7 on Saturday if his team forces one by beating the Yankees in Game 6 on Friday night.
“Game 6 is what we’re here for,” Hinch said in his news conference at Minute Maid Park on Thursday. “I understand it (being a question), but Game 6 is what our full attention needs to be on. I do have an idea, but I’m not going to talk about it.”
Charlie Morton appears to be the frontrunner, given he started Game 3, pitched much better than his line in the box score indicates, and would be on normal four days’ rest.
But the Astros also could bring back Game 4 starter Lance McCullers Jr. on three days’ rest or go with Brad Peacock, their Game 3 ALDS starter who has thrown 24 pitches in 11⁄3 innings of relief in the ALCS.
If the Astros forced a Game 7, it would be all hands on deck out of the bullpen regardless of who started. Game 5 starter Dallas Keuchel could be used in relief, as could McCullers if he doesn’t get the start.
Hinch said McCullers won’t pitch in relief in Friday’s Game 6.
Roof to be closed during Game 6
The Minute Maid Park roof is scheduled to be closed for Friday night’s Game 6 of the ALCS because of the potential for rain, the Astros said Thursday.
It’s also scheduled to be closed Saturday if the series requires a seventh game. It’s worth noting roof status is also subject to change, according to the Astros.
Odds and ends
Friday’s will be the 13th postseason elimination game in Astros history. They have won only two previously: the fifth game of the 2004 NLDS against the Atlanta Braves and the 2015 AL wild-card game against the Yankees in New York. …
The Yankees have scored 13 of their 21 runs in the ALCS with two outs. Conversely, the Astros have scored only once with two outs. …
New York’s starters have a miniscule .404 OPS against in the series. …
Rockets legend and Houston native Clyde Drexler will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday’s Game 6.