Los Angeles @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 14, 2013 ) Houston 1, LA Angels 4

The rebuilding Houston Astros were supposed to be in this position. The Los Angeles Angels were not expected to be anywhere close to the bottom of the American League. The Angels look to begin their climb back to contention when they start a three-game series at struggling Houston on Tuesday. Los Angeles has matched the worst 31-game start (11-20) in franchise history, losing nine of its last 12 contests. Houston has dropped six straight, 10 of its last 11 and owns the worst record in the majors (8-24).

The Angels are coming off losing three of four against Baltimore at home. Mark Trumbo has been hot for Los Angeles, belting homers in five of the last seven games, while Josh Hamilton has not gone deep in 19 contests. The Astros continue to struggle on the mound with a league worst 5.75 ERA and only eight quality starts.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports West (Los Angeles), Comcast SportsNet Houston

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH C.J. Wilson (3-0, 4.04 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jordan Lyles (0-0, 3.60)

Wilson has earned a victory in three of his last four starts, starting with the Astros on April 14. The left-hander allowed one run and five hits in six innings during that outing. Wilson is one of only two pitchers on the staff with more than one victory, giving up three of fewer runs in his last four appearances. He has struggled with control at times, striking out 32 and walking 22. Chris Carter is 3-for-6 against Wilson.

Lyles was recalled to make his first start of 2013 on Thursday against Detroit, surrendering two runs and six hits over five innings. The 22-year-old struck out six Tigers and walked only one. Lyles was 7-20 in his first two seasons in the majors, making 40 starts in 45 outings. He has pitched better at home, winning five games with a 4.29 ERA. Hamilton is 4-for-7 with a homer against Lyles.

WALK-OFFS

1. This is the first trip to Houston for the Angels since 2004. Los Angeles beat the Astros two of three at home April 12-14.

2. Houston 2B Jose Altuve is 10-for-29 in the last six games and is batting a team-high .331.

3. Angels 1B Albert Pujols has 46 career multi-homer games, tied for 17th all time with Mickey Mantle and Harmon Killebrew.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Astros 4