As the MLB season kicks off on March 26 at Daikin Park in Houston, two talented 27-year-old right-handers are set to make their debut as Opening Day starters. The Astros' ace, Hunter Brown, will take the mound against José Soriano of the Angels. This matchup is a compelling start to the season, especially given the contrasting trajectories of these two teams.
The Astros are eager to bounce back after missing the playoffs last year for the first time in eight years. Meanwhile, the Angels are looking to improve after a tough season that saw them finish at the bottom of the American League West. The last time these teams faced off on Opening Day was in 2022, the same year Houston clinched the World Series title.
Both lineups feature potential Hall of Famers, with Mike Trout leading the charge for the Angels and Jose Altuve anchoring the Astros. Altuve, a fixture in Houston's lineup, will be making his 14th Opening Day start, predominantly at second base. Trout, equally a staple for the Angels, is set for his 14th consecutive Opening Day appearance as well.
Historically, the Astros have been dominant on Opening Day, boasting an 11-2 record since they joined the American League in 2013. The Angels, on the other hand, have struggled, losing 11 of their last 12 Opening Day games.
Angels: RHP José Soriano
José Soriano is stepping into the spotlight with no previous Opening Day starts under his belt. Last season, he posted a 10-11 record with a 4.26 ERA over 31 starts.
Soriano's arsenal includes a blistering sinker that can reach 100 mph, complemented by a knuckle-curve and splitter, making him a ground-ball machine. His 65.3% ground-ball rate led the Majors, outpacing the next best by more than six percentage points.
Soriano has a knack for handling the Astros, boasting a career 1.04 ERA against them with 22 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings. At Daikin Park, he's been particularly effective, recording a 1.00 ERA and 10 strikeouts in nine innings.
First-year manager Kurt Suzuki praised Soriano's journey, noting his resilience through two Tommy John surgeries. "This guy earned it," Suzuki said.
"He’s done everything right and was a bit emotional when he got the news. He's a workhorse and truly deserves this opportunity."
Astros: RHP Hunter Brown
Hunter Brown is coming off a stellar season, finishing third in the American League Cy Young Award voting. As Houston’s ace, he struck out 206 batters over 185 1/3 innings, allowing just 133 hits. He had eight starts without conceding an earned run, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
Brown led AL starters in opponents' slugging percentage (.318) and was second in ERA and opponents' OPS (.589). He also ranked high in several other categories, including quality starts, strikeouts, WHIP, strikeouts per nine innings, and pitching WAR.
Astros manager Joe Espada expressed confidence in Brown's leadership. "He’s earned this," Espada said.
"Watching him develop into one of the best pitchers in the Majors has been a pleasure. He’s our leader now, and with that comes responsibility.
He’s the one who sets the tone for us."
As these two right-handers prepare to face off, fans can expect an exciting showdown. Both pitchers have proven they can handle the pressure, and their performances could set the tone for their teams' seasons.