Astros vs. Yankees AL Championship Series Preview

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 08: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Jose Altuve #27 after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 8, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 08: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Jose Altuve #27 after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 8, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Bullpen

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 09: Ken Giles #53 of the Houston Astros celebrates after recording the final out in the ninth inning to defeat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 in game four of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 9, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Houston Astros advance to the American League Championship Series. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 09: Ken Giles #53 of the Houston Astros celebrates after recording the final out in the ninth inning to defeat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 in game four of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 9, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Houston Astros advance to the American League Championship Series. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The Astros’ bullpen is a bit of a concern at this point. Chris Devenski struggled in the Division Series, and closer Ken Giles hardly looked unhittable. They will need more out of those two, as well as Will Harris and Joe Musgrove. They still lack a serviceable southpaw, as Francisco Liriano failed to inspire confidence in his ability to get lefties out in tough spots. Nevertheless, the potential is there for this group to be tough.

New York, however, does not have this problem. Their bullpen is almost a whos-who of some of the game’s best relievers. Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances, David Robertson, Chad Green, Tommy Kahnle and Adam Warren form quite the formidable bunch. The Astros’ offense will need to score runs off the Yankees’ starters, or it could be a rough series.

Edge: Yankees

Schedule