MLB Weekend Matchups 8/25-8/26: Houston Astros @ LA Angels

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MLB Weekend Matchups August 25th and August 26th by Chris Watford for NoLuckNeeded.com

We’re now approaching the third week in August and that means two things, football and the MLB playoffs. This past week has had its ups and downs for different fans; Baltimore Orioles are mathematically eliminated from the postseason, the Mariners beat the Dodgers off of a walkoff balk and the Oakland A’s are getting closer to the Astros. Since we’re getting in to crunch time for the playoffs let’s take a look at the notable matchups for the weekend.

Houston Astros (77-50) @ Los Angeles Angels (63-64) 8/25

Even though the Astros and Angels are in the same bloodbath of a division they’re not very close in the standings. This is still an important matchup for the Astros since they’re starting to slowly lose grip of their top standing with the Athletics creeping up on them and the Mariners sitting 5 games behind. If the Astros are wanting to make a good postseason run again they’re going to need to close out the season strong. The Astros are 5-4 against the Angels this year, so this series may prove to be more exciting than the standings show. Justin Verlander is expected to pitch for the Astros opposite of James Barria. Verlander is 10-2 on the road with a 2.09 ERA. Angel’s rookie, James Barria is 8-7 and a 3.41 ERA for the season. Catch the first pitch this Saturday on ATSW or FSW at 9:07 PM ET.

San Diego Padres (50-78 ) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (67-60) 8/25

While the Dodgers have a record of 9-4 against the Padres this year, both teams have hit a bit of a rut over the past ten games with both teams going 3-7. The Dodgers are are only 3.5 games behind the D-Backs and just like the Astros, they really need to finish the season strong if they want to keep their postseason dreams alive. Clayton Kershaw is expected to start for the Dodgers opposite of Brett Kennedy. Kershaw has been his normal self this season with an 18-6 record and a 1.89 ERA. Brett Kennedy hasn’t been very good this season with an 0-2 record for and an 8.36 ERA. First pitch will be thrown on FSSD and SNLA at 9:10 PM ET.

Seattle Mariners (72-56) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (70-56) 8/26

This is the only time that these two teams will meet this year, but it can prove as an important series for the Mariners. The Diamondbacks have gone 6-4 over the past ten while the M’s have gone 4-6. The Mariners pitcher has not been announced yet but Zack Greinke is expected to throw the first pitch for the Dbacks. Greinke has not had a win since July 27th and allowed three runs on six hits in his last outing against the Padres. First pitch will be thrown on RTNW and FSAZ at 4:10 PM ET.

Bet on the Astros and the Dodgers at Intertops Sports Betting