World Series 2017: 5 takeaways from Dodgers-Astros Game 1

4. Peacock proves proficient in key area

Speaking of trouble with middle relief, despite an impressive postseason run that landed them in the World Series, the Astros have been lacking when it comes to middle relief. The Astros have made a few changes with their bullpen and we had a brief look at one of those changes in Game 1 when Brad Peacock came in for a third of an inning to provide support after Dallas Keuchel left the game.

Peacock inherited a runner on base when Keuchel left but he managed to come in and deliver for the Astros. Peacock’s addition to the roster is part of a carefully crafted plan to bolster the middle innings. He’s usually a starter who came in to provide middle relief between Justin Verlander and closer Ken Giles in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series and using starters as middle relief is a pattern that continues to pay off for the Astros. It’s very likely that we’ll continue to see more of Peacock throughout the series.