Leake (1-0) gave up two earned runs on eight hits, a walk and a wild pitch over seven innings in Friday's 3-2 win over the Athletics. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Perhaps a change of scenery is what Leake needed, as he looked back to early-season form after wiggling out of a tough first inning. The veteran right-hander has mostly struggled in the second half with the Cardinals, although he had turned in a solid seven-inning effort in a no-decision against the Rays in what turned out to be his final start in St. Louis. Leake notably kept the ball in the yard Friday after having surrendered four homers over his prior two appearances and encouragingly showed stamina by firing a season-high 105 pitches. He'll look to put together a successful encore against the potent Astros in a home matchup next Wednesday.