Houston @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 7, 2013 ) Oakland 9, Houston 3

The Houston Astros get a second chance to make a first impression on the Oakland Athletics when the teams begin a three-game series in Oakland on Monday. They failed to accomplish much earlier this month, when the Athletics outscored the Astros 23-9 in a three-game sweep in Houston’s second series since joining the American League. Things have improved since then for Houston, which has won three of its last five games.

Oakland has lost two straight following a nine-game winning streak. The Athletics have been plagued by injuries, but center fielder Coco Crisp could return Monday after missing two games with a strained left groin. Infielder Adam Rosales, who remains on the disabled list with an intercostal strain, is hoping to begin a rehab assignment this week. Left fielder Yoenis Cespedes landed on the disabled list Saturday with a strained muscle in his left hand, but the Athletics don’t expect him to be out longer than 15 days.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Houston, Comcast SportsNet California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Erik Bedard (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Tommy Milone (2-0, 4.50)

Bedard has enjoyed plenty of success against the Athletics, going 4-0 with an 0.55 ERA in his last five starts. Crisp is 1-for-15 against Bedard, who is 4-3 with a 2.73 ERA in 11 career appearances against Oakland. Bedard has allowed two hits in his first two appearances covering 7 1/3 innings, and he worked four scoreless innings in his first start of the season last Tuesday against Seattle. The veteran lefty is back in the American League after making 24 starts for Pittsburgh last season.

Milone won his second consecutive start last Wednesday, allowing four runs over five innings against the Angels. The 26-year-old Milone has a four-game winning streak dating to last season. He had a no-decision in his only career start against Houston, giving up three runs over 5 2/3 innings against the Astros on Sept. 9, 2011, when he was playing for Washington. Milone went 13-10 with a 3.74 ERA last year, posting a 2.74 ERA in 15 home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Oakland struck out 38 times during its three-game series against Detroit over the weekend.

2. Astros OF Fernando Martinez (oblique) has started a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

3. Houston’s hitters have combined to hit .319 (59-for-185) with 15 doubles and 10 home runs over the last five games.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Athletics 3