Bench

Nationals: Washington is balanced with options to match up (switch hitter Asdrúbal Cabrera), pinch-run (Michael A. Taylor) and improve defensively (second baseman Brian Dozier). Dozier or Cabrera could start at second base at Minute Maid Park, where Kendrick can serve as a designated hitter. They also could bet on boom-or-bust Matt Adams in the DH role.

Astros: Yordan Alvarez, the presumptive AL rookie of the year, has struggled mightily this month (7 for 41, 19 strikeouts), which could put him on the Houston bench for Games 3 through 5. Aledmys Díaz, who had a .271 batting average, a .356 on-base percentage and a .467 slugging percentage, is the top pinch-hit option on Houston’s bench.

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