The Houston Astros close out a roller-coaster road trip

when they face the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday afternoon at Angel Stadium.The Astros lost the first two games of the nine-game trip to the Oakland A’s http://www.angelsfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-cozart-jersey , dropping them into a tie atop the American League West standings, but they’ve rebounded to win their past four games and maintain a 1 1/2-game lead over Oakland entering Sunday.Houston (79-50) opens a three-game series against the visiting A’s on Monday.Article continues below ...Houston right-hander Gerrit Cole was available to pitch on regular rest Sunday, but the Astros are saving him for Monday’s series opener against the A’s.Instead, rookie left-hander Framber Valdez will make his first major league start in the series finale. His outing will come five days after he delivered a strong performance out of the bullpen to earn the victory in his major league debut.Valdez entered Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners with two outs in the second inning and allowed one run (unearned) and two hits over 4 1/3 innings in the 3-2 victory.“He’s got a wipeout breaking ball, so he fits right in,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters after his debut.Valdez was the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Month for July Shohei Ohtani Jersey , when he allowed one earned run in 22 1/3 innings for Class AA Corpus Christi.The Angels (63-67) still have eight games remaining against the Astros and can play a key role in the AL West race. They’ve lost five in a row and seven of eight to fall four games under .500 for the first time this season.Los Angeles started the season a franchise-best 13-3.The Angels will send right-hander Felix Pena (1-3, 4.53) to the mound in the series finale.Injuries to the Los Angles pitching staff have created a need for Pena to log innings as a starter.“I don’t like the fact that I am here because other people got hurt,” Pena told mlb.com through a translator after his last start. “That is not a good thing for the team, but I will take the opportunity and continue working hard and improve and make sure to give the team what they need.”Pena, who was converted to a starter earlier this season, is winless in his past eight starts Brandon Phillips Jersey , but the Angels have averaged just 2.9 runs in those outings, leaving him little margin for error.He had a career-high 12 strikeouts in his last start on Tuesday at the Arizona Diamondbacks, but Pena did not receive a decision after giving up four runs and seven hits in six innings of the 5-4 loss.Pena did not allow an earned run through six innings the previous week against the San Diego Padres and departed with a 2-1 lead, but again failed to get the win after the bullpen surrendered the tying run in the seventh inning before the Angels won 3-2.Pena has not faced Houston in his career. First full squad workout today!"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Royals Trade Rumors & Hot StoveRoyals Minor Leagues & ProspectsRoyals Review ClassicRoyals Review Users GuideThe 100 Greatest Royals Of All TimeRoyals RumblingsRoyals Rumblings - News for February 18, 2019New,126commentsFirst full squad workout today!ESTShareTweetShareShareRoyals Rumblings - News for February 18 Barry Larkin Jersey , 2019Royals Rumblings - News for February 18, 2019Ned Yost still loves managing the Royals, writes Vahe Gregorian.Eric Skoglund addresses the media regarding his 80-game PED suspension.Whit Merrifield doesn’t want to be overlooked in the discussion on “fastest Royal.”He also tweeted about the business of baseball.David Lesky is optimistic about the farm system.Sean Thornton at Bleeding Royal Blue writes about believing in Kyle Zimmer and Bubba Starling.Alcides Escobar’s nine biggest post-season moments.The Brewers re-sign Mike Moustakas on a one-year deal.A profile of Ed Hearn, who overcame being a punchline in Kansas City, battled suicidal thoughts, and became a motivational speaker.The slow free agent market is making contract extensions more popular.Brittany Ghiroli talks to players and GMs about what it’s like to wait for a deal.Zack Greinke has no interest in being traded away from the Diamondbacks.C.C. Sabathia will retire after this season.Did the Cubs miss their chance at a dynasty?Tim Tebow is “all in” on baseball.The dark side of an increased launch angle.How Sean Forman runs the Sports Reference empire from a Philadelphia church.A tour of multi-use ballparks. Hockey commentator Don Cherry and the Carolina Hurricanes have a beef over player celebrations.An oral history of the 1998-1999 NBA lockout.How to limit which companies are tracking you on the internet.About $166 billion in student debt is in “serious delinquency.” Netflix’s Umbrella Academy is good Chris Sabo Jersey , but weird.Your song of the day is Harry Nilsson with Gotta Get Up.