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HOU@TEX: Keuchel shuts down Rangers in MLB debut

Dallas Keuchel hadn't been to Minute Maid Park before Monday, and the Astros left-hander will make his first start there on Saturday against the Indians.

A recent addition to the Astros' starting rotation, Keuchel made his Major League debut on Sunday against the Rangers. He finished with a no-decision, giving up one run on four hits in five innings.

The left-hander, who went 5-4 with a 4.26 ERA in 13 starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City, said he'll try to focus on his command during Saturday's game.

"I think he showed some pretty good control [in] that first start," Astros manager Brad Mills said. "He knew how to pitch off the plate, knew how to pitch on the plate."

Keuchel will be up against 24-year-old Jeanmar Gomez, who is trying to get back on track after back-to-back losses.

Gomez has been unable to go more than five innings in any of his last four starts, and is 1-4 with a 7.92 ERA over his last five outings, raising his ERA to 4.95.

He was tagged with the loss on Sunday against the Pirates, as he allowed eight runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings. However, only four of the runs were earned, with the Indians' defense committing three costly errors in a 9-5 loss.

"We swung the bat well and we probably scored enough runs to win the ballgame," Indians manager Manny Acta said after the start. "Unfortunately, we struggled defensively."

Indians: Hafner making progress
• Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner, who was placed on the 15-day disabled on May 30, continues to make progress after having his right knee scoped. He is expected to miss another few weeks.

"Pretty soon he's going to start running the bases," Acta said. "That's the main thing for us. He's probably going to have to go through the baserunning issues. That's the next step.

"If he's OK after those drills, he'll go out and play on a rehab. Hopefully it will be at some point during this road trip."

Astros: Morgan honored
• Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Morgan was inducted into the Astros' Walk of Fame on Friday. Morgan began his career with Houston in 1963, playing with the team until 1971. He also returned for a season in '80.

He made the All-Star Game twice with the Astros, in 1966 and '70. And while his career blossomed after he was traded to the Reds, he still remembers his time with the Astros fondly.

"I actually learned to play baseball right here in Houston," said Morgan.

He threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday's game against the Indians.

Worth noting
• Gomez is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in six road starts this season.

• Indians outfielder Michael Brantley has hit in 27 of his last 28 games at a .324 (35-for-108) clip, with seven doubles, one home run and 19 RBIs.

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