Michael Brantley on Astros' bench Wednesday afternoon

Houston Astros outfielder Michael Brantley is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday afternoon's series finale against left-hander Mike Minor and the Kansas City Royals.

What It Means:

Brantley has gone hitless over the last three games and the Astros appear to be giving him a routine breather. Kyle Tucker is starting in right field and hitting seventh Wednesday afternoon in his first start since returning from the COVID-19 injured list. Aledmys Diaz is batting second in place of Brantley.

numberFire’s models project Tucker for 10.5 FanDuel points and he has a $3,200 salary on Wednesday’s slate. Per our MLB Heat Map, the Astros have an implied total of 4.8 runs. Minor is registering a 23.2 strikeout percentage and a 6.7 walk percentage this season, with a 4.35 xERA and a .318 xwOBA.