Fansided

3 things the Astros must do to get back into the World Series

By David Salituro

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros reacts against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning in Game Two of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 23, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros reacts against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning in Game Two of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 23, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Zack Greinke #21 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning in game four of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 17, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Zack Greinke #21 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning in game four of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 17, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Zack Greinke must show why the Astros traded for him

The reticent Zack Greinke is a pitcher who would rather not have the spotlight on him, but the Astros season depends on how he performs in Game 3.

In order for the Astros to get back into the World Series, Greinke must succeed where Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander failed. But the trade deadline acquisition, who will be making the first World Series start of his 16-year career on Friday, has been less than solid so far this postseason.

Greinke went 0-2 with an 8.38 ERA in his first two outings this October, against the Rays in the ALDS and the Yankees in the ALCS. His best outing happened to be his last when he held the Yankees to one run in 4.1 innings in Game 4.

So which Greinke will show up when the World Series shifts to Washington? Fortunately for the Astros, signs point to the latter version.

Because he spent half of the year with Arizona, Greinke has already faced the Nationals this season, back on June 13. He was spectacular, giving up just two hits in 7.1 shutout innings. Anthony Rendon went 0-3 and hit into two double plays. Juan Soto, who will be celebrating his 21st birthday on Friday, was also held out of the hit column. Rendon is just 1-12 in his career against Greinke.

That the Astros find themselves in this situation, having to rely on Greinke to keep their season alive, is something they couldn’t have expected when the series began. Cole hadn’t lost a game since May and had given up one earned run in three starts this postseason. The Astros had only lost back-to-back games that Cole and Verlander started twice this season, back in April against Texas and in June against Cincinnati. But it’s precisely this situation that they dealt away all of those top prospects to get Greinke in July.

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