BALTIMORE -- The Astros' scheduled game against the Orioles at Camden Yards on Thursday was postponed because of rain approximately 30 minutes before first pitch and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday. It will be the Astros' first doubleheader of the season.
Game 1 on Saturday will be played at 3:05 p.m. CT, with Justin Verlander (16-9, 2.60 ERA) on the mound in his final start of the regular season. Left-hander Dallas Keuchel (12-11, 3.75 ERA) will make his final tuneup before the postseason when he starts Game 2, which will begin 30 minutes following the conclusion of Game 1.
Thursday's scheduled starter, Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.92 ERA), will now pitch on Friday. The Astros have yet to announce a starter for Sunday's regular-season finale, though Charlie Morton (15-3, 3.18 ERA) is expected to get the call.
Morton's wife gave birth on Thursday in Houston; he is expected to rejoin the team in the next couple of days.
Manager AJ Hinch was told that the doubleheader is scheduled for Saturday because the weather forecast for Friday afternoon is questionable.
"Obviously, you kind of do your best to play and keep the integrity of the schedule, but the worst outcome would have been to play a partial night or play in miserable conditions with the threat of injury," Hinch said. "I think it worked out for both teams. Those guys are coming off 18 innings yesterday, and we certainly don't want to play on a wet field. All ends well."
Hinch said that his regular position players, with the exception of Tyler White and Evan Gattis, will play in only one of the two games on Saturday. Gattis will likely be the designated hitter for both games, with White expected to man first base for both.