Baltimore Orioles vs Houston Astros Starting Lineup — Friday, Jul 17, 2026

Baltimore has only a light history against Peter Lambert, and most of it has not been productive. Pete Alonso stands out as the one clear success, going 1-for-2 with a 2.000 OPS, while Gunnar Henderson is hitless in 2 AB over 2 PA with a 0.000 OPS, Adley Rutschman is hitless in 2 AB over 2 PA with a 0.000 OPS, and Colton Cowser is hitless in 2 AB over 2 PA with a 0.000 OPS. Taylor Ward is hitless in 1 AB over 1 PA with a 0.000 OPS, Dylan Beavers is hitless in 1 AB over 1 PA with a 0.500 OPS, and Coby Mayo is hitless in 2 AB over 2 PA with a 0.000 OPS. Samuel Basallo and Jackson Holliday have no MLB history vs that pitcher.

Houston brings much more established history against Dean Kremer, with several key bats showing strong results. Jose Altuve is 4-for-7 with a .571 average and 1.428 OPS, Yordan Alvarez is 3-for-7 with a .429 average and 1.029 OPS, Christian Vázquez is 2-for-7 with a .286 average and 1.000 OPS, and LaMonte Wade Jr. is 1-for-3 with a .333 average and 1.666 OPS. Isaac Paredes is 1-for-8 with a .125 average and 0.250 OPS, while Jeremy Peña is hitless in 4 AB over 4 PA with a 0.000 OPS and Christian Walker is hitless in 2 AB over 2 PA with a 0.000 OPS. Cam Smith and Lucas Spence have no MLB history vs that pitcher.

The Astros clearly have more familiarity and more positive head-to-head results against the opposing starter. Baltimore’s prior exposure to Lambert is limited, with Alonso the only hitter here who has done damage.