Astros and Twins are both winning but have different teams

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May 3, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ken Giles (53, right) holds up a custom-made wrestling championship belt made for Houston Astros left fielder Josh Reddick (22) prior to the game against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the Astros strengths this season despite the occasional clunker from Luke Gregerson. Chris Devenski has become a dynamic reliever who could pitch multiple innings. Despite over exposure, Devenski still finds a way of getting out of big trouble. On paper, it would appear that Brad Kintzler has better stats than Ken Giles.

The Astros bullpen has an 11-6 record with a 3.27 ERA with 209 strikeouts in 162 1/3 innings pitched. They also have 18 saves.

HOU loses 6-3 despite a really good 7 IP by C. Morton. @ABREG_1 w/ HR, but a rare night when @Astros bullpen was outpitched.
— Todd Kalas (@RealToddKalas) May 25, 2017

Keep in mind that Peacock has been in the bullpen for most of the season and reinvented himself while doing it. Will Harris is back to being Mr. Reliable like he was last year before he became, this shortens the game. Imagine having to face Devenski, then Harris, then Gregerson, and finally Giles after Peacock goes five innings. The bullpen may not be the best in the league, but it is pretty effective.

The Twins bullpen has a 6-5 record with a 4.16 ERA with 129 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. They have 14 saves.

These stats strongly favor the Astros. If the Twins want to win, they need to score off the starters. While the bullpen can struggle, they need the starters to go deeper in games to limit use early in games.

The Bullpen.