Blue Jays vs Astros: Tonight's Lineup - Game Two Preview

Chris Bassitt is on the mound tonight versus the Astros. Bassitt (2-0) collected the win in Wednesday's 3-1 victory in his last outing against Atlanta, scattering three hits and two walks over five scoreless innings. He struck out 10.

While Drake Baldwin eventually ruined the combined shutout bid with a solo shot in the ninth inning off Jeff Hoffman, the Blue Jays bullpen picked up where Bassitt left off en route to a franchise-record 19 strikeouts in a nine-inning game.

The Ks kept Bassitt from lasting long enough to record a quality start -- he left after 90 pitches (59 strikes), including 33 called or swinging strikes.

The veteran right-hander has been brilliant to begin the season, allowing just two runs over his first four starts.

Bassitt will take a 0.77 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 31:5 K:BB through 23.1 innings into his tonight's outing at Daikin Park.

Ronel Blanco gets the ball for the Astros. In his last outing Blanco (1-2) took the loss against the Cardinals, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out one.

Blanco got off to a nice start, allowing just one hit through his first four scoreless innings. However, the Cardinals led off the fifth with back-to-back singles before Lars Nootbaar launched a three-run homer.

It's been a shaky beginning to the year for Blanco -- his ERA now sits at 6.48 with a 1.68 WHIP and 17:10 K:BB through his first four starts (16.2 innings). Blanco is currently scheduled for a home matchup with the Blue Jays in his next outing.

LAST 10 GAMES:

Astros: 6-4, .245 batting average, 3.82 ERA, outscored opponents by seven runs

Blue Jays: 4-6, .252 batting average, 3.50 ERA, outscored by six runs

INJURIES:

Astros: Spencer Arrighetti: 15-Day IL (thumb), Luis Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (elbow), Shawn Dubin: 15-Day IL (shoulder), J.P. France: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Taylor Trammell: 10-Day IL (calf), Kaleb Ort: 15-Day IL (oblique), Pedro Leon: 10-Day IL (knee), Lance McCullers Jr.: 15-Day IL (forearm)

Blue Jays: Nick Sandlin: 15-Day IL (back), Max Scherzer: 15-Day IL (lat), Erik Swanson: 15-Day IL (hand), Ryan Matthew Burr: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Daulton Varsho: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Alek Manoah: 60-Day IL (elbow), Angel Bastardo: 60-Day IL (elbow)