Astros ask Justin Verlander to seal series win over Royals

Halfway through their latest attempt at utilizing a six-man rotation, the Houston Astros aren't quite getting the results they'd longed for.

The Astros hope ace Justin Verlander can end their string of bumpy starts on Thursday in the finale of a four-game series against the visiting Kansas City Royals.

Prior to veteran Jake Odorizzi rejoining the rotation on Monday following a 48-day stint on the injured list, the Astro