Yankees-Astros Game 2 lineups, FAQ (LIVE, TBS)

Yankees-Astros Game 2 lineups, FAQ (LIVE, TBS)

October 20th, 2022

HOUSTON -- The Astros will look to remain unbeaten in the 2022 postseason when they battle the Yankees in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Thursday at Minute Maid Park. All four of Houston’s wins in this year’s playoffs have been by two runs or fewer, including Wednesday’s 4-2 win over the Yankees in Game 1.

A pair of pitchers from the Dominican Republic will start the game: left-hander Framber Valdez for the Astros and right-hander Luis Severino for the Yankees. For the Yankees, it’s their last chance to steal a win before heading to the Bronx for Games 3, 4 and 5, if necessary. For the Astros, it’s an opportunity to grab firm control of the series.

The Yankees will be eager to get sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton -- both of whom homered in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Guardians -- going at the plate in Game 2, as the Astros are riding terrific pitching. Their bullpen has given up two runs and struck out 29 batters in 23 1/3 innings (0.77 ERA) in the first four games of the 2022 postseason.

• Postseason ticket information: Yankees | Astros

When is the game and how can I watch it?

The ALCS will be carried on TBS. Game 2 is on Thursday at 7:37 p.m. ET/6:37 p.m. CT.

All games are available in the US on MLB.TV (authentication to a participating Pay TV provider is required). Live games are also available in select countries outside the US. For full details click here.

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Who are the starting pitchers?

Yankees: (0-0, 4.76 ERA in postseason) will make his second appearance of the 2022 postseason when he takes the mound for Game 2. The righty threw 5 2/3 innings in Game 3 of the AL Division Series vs. Cleveland, allowing three earned runs and striking out six en route to a no-decision. Severino is still looking for his first postseason win vs. Houston. He’s made three starts, recording one no-decision and a loss in '17, and one loss in '19. Severino produced two quality starts vs. Houston in June this season, holding the Astros’ lineup to a .186 batting average while allowing five runs over 12 innings, despite two losses.

Astros: (0-0, 3.18 ERA in postseason) allowed two runs over 5 2/3 innings in Game 2 of the ALDS vs. the Mariners, walking three and striking out six in Houston’s eventual 4-2 win. The lefty will be facing a heavily right-handed lineup, which may benefit the Yankees. Valdez was far more effective vs. lefties during the regular season, holding them to a .192/.274/.231 slash line, but he was still pretty effective against righties (.229/.300/.320). Valdez faced the Yankees once during the regular season, allowing three earned runs over six innings with three walks and seven strikeouts, taking a no-decision.

What are the starting lineups?

Yankees: The Yanks haven’t faced a lefty starting pitcher since Oct. 3, when they saw the Rangers’ Martín Pérez in Arlington, and manager Aaron Boone shuffled the lineup accordingly. The red-hot Harrison Bader moves into the leadoff spot, pushing Gleyber Torres down to fifth. Right-handed-hitting Giancarlo Stanton and lefty-hitting Anthony Rizzo swapped spots to No. 3 and 4, respectively.

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Astros: Manager Dusty Baker gave Yordan Alvarez the start at DH, with Aledmys Díaz getting the start in left field after he DH'd in Game 1.

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How will the bullpens line up after the starter?

Yankees: After bypassing most of his first-tier relievers in Game 1, look for Boone to be more aggressive mixing and matching behind Severino. , and all got a desperately needed day of rest; Peralta had appeared in the Yanks’ first five postseason games this year before his number was not called on Wednesday.

Astros: Baker figures to have all his weapons available for Game 2, except perhaps , who threw 30 pitches in Game 1. Setup man threw only 12 pitches and closer threw only 15 to get a four-out save in Game 1, so they should be good to go.

Any injuries of note?

Yankees: Aaron Hicks’ season ended after he sustained a left knee injury colliding with Cabrera in pursuit of a popup in Game 5; he said that his estimated recovery time is six weeks. Outfielder Andrew Benintendi (right wrist discomfort), infielder DJ LeMahieu (right foot ligament) and right-hander Ron Marinaccio (stress reaction in right shin) are traveling with the club but were not placed on the ALCS roster.

Astros: Houston is as healthy as it’s been all season. Outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder surgery) and catcher Jason Castro (knee surgery) were ruled out for the season in June.

Who is hot and who is not?

Yankees: Bader's solo homer off Verlander in Game 1 was his fourth this postseason, and he’s tied with Bryce Harper for the most homers of all MLB players this postseason. Bader is the only player in Yankees history with four homers in his first six postseason games with the team. … Torres was 0-for-4 in Game 1 of the ALCS and is now 3-for-27 in the postseason.

Astros: McCormick was 2-for-3 with a solo homer in Game 1. The homer was the first of his postseason career. He’s recorded hits in all three of his postseason appearances in '22. Gurriel is 8-for-23 in the playoffs with three homers. … Altuve was 0-for-3 in Game 1 to stretch his hitless streak in the postseason to 0-for-22.

Anything else fans might want to know?

Yankees: Stanton’s double off Justin Verlander in Game 1 registered at 112.8 mph, the second-hardest-hit batted ball Verlander has allowed in 2022, including the playoffs. The only one hit harder was also hit this postseason. … The Yankees have homered in an MLB-record 23 straight postseason games and have hit 44 homers over that span.

Astros: Peña’s three extra-base hits are tied for the most by a rookie in a postseason game, with Carlos Correa (2015), Evan Longoria ('08), Jacoby Ellsbury ('07) and Jim Gilliam (1953). … The Astros have won three consecutive ALCS games over the Yankees at Minute Maid Park and have a 9-6 record all time vs. the Yankees in the ALCS. The Astros have won their last three Championship Series in which they took Game 1, including 2017 against the Yankees. … Pressly’s seven career postseason saves are the most in club history.