Ailing Gomez not starting Game 1 vs. Royals
The Houston Astros will be without wild-card hero Carlos Gomez for Game 1 of the American League Division Series because of a nagging intercostal strain on his left side.
Despite hitting a pivotal solo shot in Tuesday's elimination playoff against the New York Yankees, the injury has limited Gomez to just two starts in his last 22 games.
Manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Thursday he expects Gomez to return to the lineup for Friday's Game 2 in Kansas City versus the Royals, and that the speedy outfielder will be available Thursday off the bench. Jake Marisnick will play center field in his place.
"Today wasn't the day for him to start," Hinch said of Gomez. "He'll come off the bench. I know he'll ask to go in the game from the second inning on."
| No. | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jose Altuve | 2B |
| 2 | George Springer | RF |
| 3 | Carlos Correa | SS |
| 4 | Colby Rasmus (L) | LF |
| 5 | Evan Gattis | DH |
| 6 | Luis Valbuena (L) | 3B |
| 7 | Chris Carter | 1B |
| 8 | Jason Castro (L) | C |
| 9 | Jake Marisnick | CF |
The Royals, meanwhile, will continue to deploy the lineup that brought the team its first division title in 31 years. The only noteworthy change in manager Ned Yost's lineup is outfielder Alex Rios hitting out of the No. 9 spot.
| No. | Player | Pos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alcides Escobar | SS |
| 2 | Ben Zobrist (S) | 2B |
| 3 | Lorenzo Cain | CF |
| 4 | Eric Hosmer (L) | 1B |
| 5 | Kendrys Morales (S) | DH |
| 6 | Mike Moustakas (L) | 3B |
| 7 | Salvador Perez | C |
| 8 | Alex Gordon (L) | LF |
| 9 | Alex Rios | RF |
Right-hander Yordano Ventura will take the ball for the Royals against Astros right-hander Collin McHugh, with first pitch set for 7:37 p.m. from Kauffman Stadium.
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