Toronto @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 28, 2013 ) Houston 1, Toronto 2

The Houston Astros are the youngest team in the majors - and they're going to need every bit of energy to get through the next three weeks. The Astros kick off a stretch of 20 games in 20 days on Friday night as they welcome the Toronto Blue Jays to Minute Maid Park. Houston comes into the weekend set fresh off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Texas Rangers, while Toronto suffered the same fate in a four-game set at Yankee Stadium.

Neither team is in the running for a playoff spot, but both clubs recognize the need to stay focused as the season winds down. "At this point in the season, it's really important to make sure you're taking care of your body and doing everything you can to get as much rest and recovery time as possible," Astros catcher Jason Castro told the team's official website. The clubs meet for the second time this season, with Toronto claiming three of four at home in late-July.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), CSN (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Todd Redmond (1-1, 3.32 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jordan Lyles (5-6, 5.19)

With the Toronto starting rotation in tatters, Redmond has provided solid innings in a pinch. The 28-year-old Florida native has allowed just eight runs over his last five outings while averaging better than a strikeout per inning over that stretch. His best outing came against the Astros on July 28, when he allowed a run on three hits while fanning 10 but settled for a no-decision in a 2-1 Toronto victory.

Lyles had his start pushed back after making a relief appearance Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two runs over 2 1/3 innings in the 7-5 win. The 22-year-old as already faced the Blue Jays once this season, surrendering four runs on nine hits in five innings in a game Toronto won 12-6. The long ball has been Lyles' nemesis of late; he has surrendered five home runs in his last six appearances, including two against the Blue Jays.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros have the majors' worst home record at 19-43 and have lost their last six home games against teams with losing records.

2. Blue Jays SS Jose Reyes went 3-for-3 with a homer in his first encounter with Lyles.

3. Toronto has won six straight Friday games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 7, Astros 4