FILE - In this Sept. 2, 2018, file photo, Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game, in Houston. The Astros have plenty of reasons to be confident with a big chunk of last year's squad which won a franchise-record 103 games. That group is led by a bevy of stars including 2017 AL MVP Jose Altuve, shortstop Carlos Correa, third baseman Alex Bregman, 2017 World Series MVP George Springer and starters Justin Verlander and Cole, who combined for 31 wins and 566 strikeouts in 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke, File)