New York Yankees vs
Houston AstrosPredictions & Preview

Houston Astros Favored Over New York Yankees in Second Game of Season Opening Series

On Friday, the New York Yankees will face the Houston Astros in the second game of a four-game series to open the regular season. Both teams are expected to be strong contenders in their respective divisions this season. New York has added Juan Soto, one of baseball's top left-handed hitters, and returns healthy after injuries plagued them last season. Houston, coming off a defeat in the ALCS last season, has a strong lineup with familiar faces and new additions. Notable players missing from both teams' lineups include DJ LeMahieu and Gerrit Cole for New York, and Justin Verlander and Lance McCullers for Houston. Carlos Rodon will start on the mound for the Yankees, while Cristian Javier will start for the Astros. Houston is the betting favorite, opening at -129. Don't miss out on our Expert Picks to increase your chances of winning!

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Yankees +119 | Astros -129
• Spread: Yankees +1.5 (-170) | Astros -1.5 (+147)
• Total: Over/Under 9 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Houston will win straight-up is 56%.

New York vs Houston Stats

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are facing the challenge of starting the season without ace pitcher Garrett Cole due to an elbow injury. However, they are optimistic about the potential of newly acquired left-handed hitter Juan Soto. The team's lineup, including Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo, and Giancarlo Stanton, is expected to be formidable for opposing pitchers. Rizzo has shown promise in spring training, and Stanton is looking to bounce back from a disappointing previous season. DJ LeMahieu is expected to return from injury, and Luis Gil has impressed in spring training following Tommy John surgery. Rookie catcher Austin Wells is also turning heads with his potential. Despite currently having a power ranking of 16, the Yankees rank 25 in offense and 10 in defense, with a 0-0 record for the season.

Houston Astros Analysis

The Houston Astros offense is expected to be even stronger this season compared to last season, with key players like Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez returning at full strength. Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman are also poised for big performances. The team's lineup is bolstered by regulars like Chas McCormick and Yainer Diaz. Additionally, the Astros pitching staff, though dealing with some injuries, is still a dominant force. They will face a tough schedule to start the season, which may put pressure on the starting rotation. Overall, the Astros have a power ranking of 8 and rank 5th in offense, scoring an average of 5.09 runs per game. In their last three matchups, the New York team went 0-3 against Houston.

Astros Poised for Victory with Home-field Advantage and Dominant Pitching

The Houston team is poised to secure victory in Friday's game at Minute Maid Park due to the home-field advantage and the anticipated strong performance of starting pitcher Cristian Javier. During the previous season, Javier delivered commendable pitching despite receiving minimal offensive support in two games against the Yankees. Statistically, the Astros demonstrate a significantly higher run differential compared to their opponents, bolstering their chances of success. The lineup's core consisting of Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, and Alex Bregman is recognized as one of the most formidable in baseball, providing Houston with a substantial edge over New York. While the Yankees possess strong hitters in their top four slots, the Astros exhibit a higher level of consistency throughout their batting order, solidifying their position as the favorites in this upcoming matchup.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ]