MLB Predictions: Will Astros rebound with win vs. Mariners? 6/24/17
Following their ugly loss last night, will the Houston Astros rebound with a win tonight against the Seattle Mariners?
The Odds: Astros vs. Mariners, 10:10PM ET, Safeco Field
According to oddsmakers, the Astros are favored on the road at -160 odds on the money line. That makes the host Mariners a +135 money line underdog to pull off the upset. As for the betting total, the number sits at 9 runs.
The Pitching Matchup: Lance McCullers Jr. (HOU) vs. Sam Gaviglio (SEA)
McCullers will come off the disabled list after dealing with a lower back problem. The 23-year-old made it through a bullpen session on Monday without issue, so he’ll re-join Houston’s starting rotation tonight. McCullers enters play with an excellent 2.58 ERA on the year. He had 89 strikeouts through 76 2/3 innings before landing on the disabled list on June 9.
As for Gaviglio, he’ll make another start with Hisashi Iwakuma still dealing with a shoulder problem. With Iwakuma needing at least one more rehab start, Gaviglio will have another opportunity to show Seattle’s brass what he can do. In eight appearances (seven starts) this season, the 27-year-old Gaviglio owns a 3.43 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. He’s coming off a no decision on Monday in which he allowed two earned runs, three hits and four walks over five innings against the Tigers.
Our Prediction
Houston has been an excellent play for bettors when McCullers starts. They’re 13-3 in his last 16 outings and have won his last four road outings. The Astros have also won 46 of 67 overall and 41 of 58 on the road. In their last 22 games coming off a loss, Houston is 16-6.
Furthermore, the Astros have won big against right-handed pitching. They’re 21-6 in their last 27 road games when facing a right-handed starter, and are 40-16 in their last 56 games versus a right-handed starter overall.
Saturday MLB Prediction: Houston Astros -160