Astros Look to Bounce Back Against Angels in Game 2 of Series

The Houston Astros aim to even the score in their four-game season opener against the Los Angeles Angels tonight at Daikin Park, following a tough loss in their first matchup. The Angels currently lead the series 1-0, and the Astros are eager to respond with a strong performance.

On the mound for Houston will be right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows, who is set to make his first regular season start after joining the team from the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason. Burrows was part of a three-team trade that saw the Astros send outfielder Jacob Melton and minor league right-hander Anderson Brito to the Tampa Bay Rays. In exchange, the Astros welcomed infield standout Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum, and left-handed pitcher Mason Montgomery from the Pirates.

Burrows has shown promise this spring, making five starts and posting an impressive 1.50 ERA over 18 innings, allowing just three earned runs while striking out 17 batters and holding opponents to a .200 batting average.

Opposing Burrows will be former Astro Yusei Kikuchi, the left-hander who had a brief yet memorable stint with Houston in 2024. During his time with the Astros, Kikuchi made 10 starts and maintained a solid 2.70 ERA. He was acquired in a trade that sent outfielder Joey Loperfido to the Toronto Blue Jays, a player the Astros reacquired this season. Loperfido made his debut in left field during yesterday’s Opening Day.

As the Astros embark on this divisional series, they bring a strong historical record against the Angels, having won the season series in every full season since 2015. Last season, Houston posted an 8-5 record against Los Angeles across 13 games and holds an all-time advantage of 138-83 in matchups against the Angels.

In roster news, catcher César Salazar has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Sugar Land after being designated for assignment by the Astros earlier this week.

Tonight’s game is set to begin at 7:15 p.m. CST and will be broadcasted on Apple TV+, with radio coverage available on KTRH 740 AM and TUDN 102.9 FM HD2.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.