Houston @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 8, 2014 ) Houston 2, Toronto 5

Leaving runners in scoring position proved to be a significant problem for the Houston Astros in their series-opening loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. They'll look to rectify what has been a recurring issue as they resume their three-game set with the host Blue Jays on Wednesday. Houston went 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position in Tuesday's curtain raiser, one of the main factors in a 5-2 defeat that dropped the Astros to 3-5 on the season.

Houston's inability to cash in runners has plagued it through the first eight games - the Astros are batting a paltry .121 with runners on second and/or third, the second-worst mark in the majors. Toronto wasn't any better in that situation - going hitless in six opportunities - but didn't need to be as home runs from Jose Bautista and Melky Cabrera and a pair of run-scoring doubles from Dioner Navarro led the way. The win improved Toronto to 4-4.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2, SNET (Toronto), RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lucas Harrell (0-1, 15.00 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Brandon Morrow (0-1, 7.20)

Harrell's grasp on a spot in the Houston rotation was already tenuous coming into the season - and he didn't do anything to help his cause in his season opener. The 28-year-old Missouri native was rocked for five runs on seven hits over just three innings en route to an 11-1 drubbing at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels. The Astros may not wait long to replace Harrell, who is coming off a 6-17 season during which he allowed right-handed hitters to bat .331 against him.

Morrow's place in the Toronto rotation may be a little more secure, but he'll still need to be better than he was in his 2014 debut. The 29-year-old, who was limited to 10 starts last season due to injury, surrendered four runs on seven hits over five uneven innings as Toronto fell 7-2 to the Tampa Bay Rays. Morrow is traditionally a slow starter, posting a 6-8 mark with a 4.42 career ERA in 39 March/April appearances (19 starts) - including an 0-2, 5.29 mark in 2013.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cabrera has homered in four straight games, and has hit safely in all eight contests this season.

2. Blue Jays SS Jose Reyes, placed on the 15-day DL with a hamstring injury last week, ran on a treadmill prior to the series opener and remains on track to return later this month.

3. Edwin Encarnacion is 2-for-3 with a walk in his career against Harrell.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Astros 3