Houston Astros vs
Baltimore OriolesPredictions & Preview

Astros set to take on Orioles in crucial AL matchup with McCullers Jr. set to return

The Houston Astros, currently leading the AL West Division, will face off against the Baltimore Orioles in game two of their series this Friday. Despite their recent struggles, the Astros are still holding onto their division lead. The Orioles, at the bottom of the AL East standings, are coming off a surprising sweep of the Red Sox. The pitching matchup will feature Lance McCullers Jr. for the Astros and Cade Povich for the Orioles. The game is set to start at 7:05 PM EST. For more information on this matchup and potential betting opportunities, continue reading below.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Astros +104 | Orioles -115
• Spread: Astros +1.5 (-175) | Orioles -1.5 (+150)
• Total: Over/Under 9 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Baltimore will win straight-up is 53%.

Houston Astros

The Houston Astros are facing a challenging stretch in August, with their division lead narrowing to under two games. The team recently suffered a sweep by the Tigers, including a 7-2 loss in their last game. Mauricio Duban provided the only offense with a two-run home run. Despite the Astros benefiting from the Mariners' slump, they will need to improve their performance to maintain their top spot in the division. Lance McCullars Jr. is set to return from the IL and will start on Friday after dealing with a blister. He has a 2-4 record this season with an ERA of 6.90 and a WHIP of 1.74. The Astros have lost four of McCullar's last five starts, but he has performed well on the road with a 2-0 record and a 2.01 ERA. Several key players, including Jake Meyers, Yordan Alvarez, Pedro Leon, and Luis Garcia, are currently out due to injuries.

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles have shown resilience despite being out of the playoff chase, as demonstrated by their recent two-game sweep of the Red Sox. The team's victories dropped the Red Sox out of second place in the American League East. The Orioles' 4-3 win in 11 innings on Wednesday night showcased their ability to battle back after relinquishing a two-run lead in the 9th inning. With a chance to play spoiler to the Astros' division-winning hopes, the Orioles will turn to southpaw Cade Povich in game two of the series. Povich has a record of 2-6 in 16 starts, with an ERA of 4.98 and a WHIP of 1.44. Despite some recent struggles, the Orioles are hoping to continue their competitive play and potentially upset the Astros in the upcoming games.

Astros Look to Capitalize on McCullars Jr.'s Return and Favorable Matchup

McCullars Jr. is expected to return to the lineup without any arm-related restrictions following his time on the injured list. His performance on the road has been impressive, with two wins in five starts and an ERA of just 2.01. The Astros are facing a favorable matchup with Povich, who has struggled at home this season with an ERA over six in nine starts. Additionally, the Astros have had success against left-handed pitchers, hitting nearly .260 this season. Considering these trends and the urgency of the situation, it is recommended to take the Astros with the money line in this upcoming game.

Sources: [ 2 ] [ 3 ]