The Astros have a few distinct advantages other than home-field.
Verlander's average start in 2022 was basically: 6 innings, 1 run, 5 baserunners, 6 strikeouts.
Valdez had control issues the first two years of his major-league career but has cut his walk rate nearly in half since 2020. He has a Ranger Suarez-like ability to induce a key double play or pop fly when needed. As for the pitching matchup advantage the Astros should have after the series shifts to Philadelphia, Lance McCullers Jr. and Cristian Javier are in line to pitch Games 3 and 4. The Phillies have used and will use Suarez as their No. 3 starter, but Game 4 will be a bullpen game as it was in the NLCS and NLDS. Noah Syndergaard started in that spot against the Braves, while Bailey Falter faced the Padres.