Astros seeking sweep of visiting Athletics

While the sample size is small, the Houston Astros have experienced positive results from their decision to move right-handers Collin McHugh and Brad Peacock from the bullpen back to the rotation.

McHugh and Peacock have shown the flexibility to thrive as both starters and relievers, with McHugh delivering a pair of strong starts thus far after spending the entire 2018 season working out of the bullpen. Peacock played a vital role toggling back and forth in 2017 before making 60 of 61 appearances last season out of the bullpen. Peacock will make his second start in the series finale on Sunday against Oakland at Minute Maid Park, with Houston seeking a sweep.

"You have to have a resilient arm," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "A feel for your pitches and your preparation schedule (are important). I think the thing that gets altered the most is your preparation schedule. Some guys are a little more adaptable than others. What we've watched Peacock and McHugh do over the last couple of years is very unique.

"I don't think you can just take anyone out of the rotation and put them in the bullpen and have them be OK, and vice versa. Usually, when a guy is doing well in the bullpen we automatically think he should go back in the rotation. That's not necessarily the case either. Routines help, resiliency helps, certainly the mindset will pay dividends to you if you just control what you can control and not your role. It's pretty unique what those guys can do."

Peacock (1-0, 1.35 ERA) halted the Astros' three-game skid on April 1 at Texas, limiting the Rangers to one run on two hits with five strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings in a 2-1 victory. Peacock is 3-6 with a 4.21 ERA over 23 career appearances (13 starts) against the Athletics, including an 0-1 record and 6.75 ERA in seven relief appearances last season.

Right-hander Mike Fiers (2-1, 3.00 ERA) gets the start for the Athletics on Sunday. Fiers has not allowed a run in his last two starts, marking just the second time in his career that he has not surrendered a run over consecutive starts. Fiers is 1-2 with a 5.00 ERA in three career starts against the Astros, for whom he made 70 appearances (67 starts) over parts of three seasons (2015-17). Fiers went 21-19 with a 4.59 ERA and tossed his only career no-hitter with Houston.

Athletics second baseman Jurickson Profar was given the night off on Saturday after acknowledging to Oakland manager Bob Melvin that he was pressing in an attempt to impress with his new organization. Profar spent his first six seasons with the Texas Rangers before signing a one-year deal with Oakland in the offseason. He posted a .114/.133/.182 slash line over 11 games and 45 plate appearances before watching the Athletics' 6-0 loss on Saturday.

Melvin determined that Profar could use a mental break after the two spoke. When asked if it was part of his job to reinforce the organization's belief in Profar, Melvin responded with humor.

"I've heard that's the case," Melvin said with a smile. "There are managers that have done that and some that have not. Yeah, it is (challenging to settle in with a new organization), especially for a guy that takes everything to heart because he is with a new team. He's always got a smile on his face regardless. Yeah, that's part of the job."

--Field Level Media