Oddly enough, I got to write about this exact same match up (except at Miller Park) last weekend. This will be both pitchers first start since that game.
Wandy Rodriguez (1-3, 5.40) currently sits at a 4.05 FIP in a year where he is expected to be the Astros' Ace. He has his strikeout rate right back up to where it has been in recent years (around an 8 K/9) and has kept his walk rate down to around 2 BB/9. . Rodriguez throws three high 80s fastballs--a two seamer, a four seamer and a cutter--along with a changeup and a curveball. Last week against Milwaukee, Rodriguez went seven innings and struck out nine. He allowed four runs on ten hits and three walks. That walk total tied his season high. Six different Brewers have faced Rodriguez at least ten times. Here is how they have fared:
| PA | Slash Line | |
| Prince Fielder | 43 | .243/.302/.351 |
| Corey Hart | 41 | .395/.439/.421 |
| Rickie Weeks | 37 | .367/.486/.567 |
| Ryan Braun | 31 | .345/.387/.759 |
| Casey McGehee | 22 | .368/.455/.474 |
| Carlos Gomez | 13 | .231/.231/.231 |
Randy Wolf (3-2, 2.64) continued his string of great starts with his longest outing of the year on Easter. He went eight innings and gave up just one run on a late homer while giving up just four hits and striking out four. He also didn't walk a hitter. Wolf has a sparkling ERA and has only allowed three earned runs in four starts since giving up six in his first start of the year. His FIP isn't quite as good, but is still plenty serviceable at 4.12. Wolf has also faced six current Astros at least ten times. Here is how they have fared against him.
And in the Bullpen:
Mitch Stetter pitched 0.1 innings (5 pitches) yesterday
Brandon Kintzler pitcher 1.2 innings (11 pitches) yesterday
Zach Braddock hasn't pitched since Monday
John Axford, Kameron Loe, Latroy Hawkins, and Sean Green haven't pitched since Wednesday