The Houston Astros (53-43) and Oakland Athletics (27-71) will square off in a battle of the AL West on Thursday. Read ahead to get all of the current information on this matchup as you evaluate the Astros vs Athletics odds.
Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics Odds
Examining the Astros vs Athletics odds, the Astros are the favorites to take Thursday’s opener. They are -174 to win on the moneyline, while the Athletics’ moneyline sits at +154.
The spread features the Oakland Athletics at +1.5 with odds of -110. As favorites, the Houston Astros’ spread is set at -1.5 with odds of -110.
In terms of the over/under for total runs, it has been set at 8.5. The over 8.5 odds have been set at -120, and the under odds have been set at +100.
Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics Information
Houston Astros vs Oakland Athletics
Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
July 20, 2023, 9:40 pm ET
MLB.TV; Astros – ATT SportsNet-SW; Athletics – NBCSCA
Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics Betting Preview
Houston Astros
Taking a look at the Houston Astros schedule, in their last ten MLB games, they have gone 5-5. In their last series, they split a two-game series with the Colorado Rockies, winning Wednesday’s finale 4-1.
Looking at the MLB standings, the Astros sit second in the AL West, 4.5 games behind the Texas Rangers. With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching, the Astros are trying to make a push to cut into their divisional deficit.
Offensively, the Astros rank 11th out of all MLB teams in scoring, averaging 4.72 runs per game (5.25 on the road). The Athletics rank dead last, averaging just 3.58 runs per game (3.29 at home).
Oakland Athletics
The MLB schedule for the Oakland Athletics shows they have gone just 2-8 in their last ten games. Both of those wins were in their previous two outings, as they took down the Boston Red Sox 3-0 on Tuesday and 6-5 on Wednesday.
The Oakland Athletics record of 27-71 has them dead last in the AL West, 31.5 games out of first. In fact, they have the worst record in all of baseball, as they have just a .276 winning percentage.
Key Injuries
Looking at the MLB injury report, the Astros are still without sluggers Yordan Alvarez (oblique), Jose Altuve (oblique), and Michael Brantley (shoulder). Alvarez and pitcher Jose Urquidy are both on a rehab assignment, but they won’t be ready for this one.
The Athletics won’t have Ramon Laureano (hand) and Ryan Noda (jaw), as they are both on the injured list.
Starting Pitchers
It is always imperative to take a look at the day’s starters before making your MLB picks.
Astros Rookie Tries To Continue Solid Campaign
Currently, 4-3 with a 3.31 ERA in 12 games, the 28-year-old J.P. France has had a strong rookie campaign thus far for the Astros. He also has a 1.26 WHIP and 50 strikeouts in 70.2 innings.
In his last three MLB games, France has allowed a combined five earned runs over 17.1 innings of work.
Athletics Turn To Southpaw Hogan Harris
The Athletics will send 26-year-old lefty Hogan Harris to the mound to take on Houston Thursday. His MLB player stats show that he is 2-3 with a 6.51 ERA in 10 games.
In his last three outings, Harris has gone 0-2 and allowed 16 earned runs in just 14 innings.
Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions
When evaluating the Astros vs Athletics odds, it is important to look at the trends. The Astros are undefeated in their last seven games against Oakland and 8-3 in their last 11 games on the road.
For the Athletics, they are 2-8 in their last ten games and 3-8 in their last 11 games against AL teams.
While the Astros have had some struggles with health and consistency, the Oakland Athletics have literally been the worst team in baseball this season. Playing at Oakland Coliseum hasn’t helped, as they are just 14-36 at home.
- Take Houston to win this one straight up (-174), and don’t be surprised if they cover the -1.5 spread (-110) as well.
Also, with the Athletics’ struggles offensively and a depleted Astros lineup, feel confident in taking the under 8.5 runs (+100).
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