Astros announce Keuchel and Verlander as ALCS starters

A.J. Hinch is confident in his rotation, and nothing will change - at least not at the top - based on the identity of the Houston Astros' ALCS opponent.

Speaking with reporters at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, Hinch went with the obvious choices when asked who would start the first two games of the next round, according to Brian McTaggart of the Houston Chronicle.

"Well, (Dallas) Keuchel and (Justin) Verlander are gonna go one and two, in that order, so I really don't care who they're facing," he said. "After that, I think, is where it gets a bit ... thought-provoking."

The Astros' opponent, and the location of the games, will be determined by Wednesday night's ALDS finale between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians.

Verlander has pitched more recently than Keuchel, going 2 2/3 innings in Game 4 against the Boston Red Sox - his first-ever relief appearance.

In his lone playoff start this season, Keuchel allowed only one run over 5 2/3 innings, earning credit for a win in Game 2.

There are plenty of options behind Keuchel and Verlander on the Astros' pitching staff. Both Brad Peacock and Charlie Morton started games against Boston, while Lance McCullers could also be available.