The White Sox are looking to climb over the .500 mark after sweeping the Tigers. Chicago White Sox was the clear favorite in the AL Central prior to the 2022 season, but they currently sit behind the Guardians and Twins.
The Astros hold a lead in the AL West and are fresh off of a 2-1 series win over the Rangers. Houston will aim to keep things going against the White at home over the weekend.
Last Games Records
The White Sox crushed the Tigers to clinch a series sweep on Wednesday. Chicago won 13-0 and perhaps on the verge of starting a hot streak with the blowout victory.
The Astros also won by a large margin on Wednesday. Houston earned a 9-2 victory over their Texas rival, and their offense is beginning to come together after a minor slump.
Matchup Information
Let’s take a look at the best MLB odds for Friday.
White Sox at Astros Betting Analysis
Chicago White Sox Betting Analysis
The White Sox need to figure things out fast. Many chalked up their early season struggles to a basic slump. But we are now over two months into the season and this is a team still laboring to find consistency.
The White Sox did get the job done against the Tigers. But the Guardians and Twins are playing well so catching them will be no easy task. It should be noted that the White Sox have been absolutely hampered by injuries throughout the 2022 campaign.
Players such as Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, Eloy Jimenez, and others have dealt with various ailments. So if they can get healthy as a team, Chicago could turn their season around.
But finding ways to win games won’t be easy in Houston.
Lucas Giolito (4-2, 3.88) is the scheduled starter for the White Sox on Friday. Giolito hasn’t been terrific since returning from injury. But he is still a capable pitcher with high strikeout potential.
Giolito will attempt to provide Chicago with a chance for a victory on Friday.
Houston Astros Betting Analysis
The Houston Astros now have a nine game lead in the AL West… over the Rangers! Many believed that this division was destined to be a three horse race between the Astros, Angels and Mariners. Instead, every team besides Houston is under .500 and Texas holds the second palace spot in the division.
One area where the Astros have excelled is on the mound. Veteran Justin Verlander has enjoyed a career resurgence after dealing with Tommy John surgery. Framber Valdez and Jose Urquidy have been solid arms in the rotation as well.
The offense has been solid. But this is not the same Astros lineup that once tore up MLB. Alex Bregman has labored and Jose Altuve has dealt with injuries.
But Yordan Alavrez has emerged as a legitimate MVP candidate and Jeremy Pena may very well be the AL Rookie of the Year favorite. It should be noted that Houston placed Pena on the IL earlier this week.
Nonetheless, this is an Astros team that can post runs in a hurry.
Framber Valdez (6-3, 2.64) is the probable starter for Houston on Friday. Valdez was an unsung hero last year and is still a vital piece to Houston’s puzzle.
Updates
- Chicago is 28-33 against the run line this season.
- Houston is 30-33 against the run line this year.
- The Astros are 11-15 against the run line at their home field.
- The White Sox are 18-13 against the run line on the road.
- Houston is 23-31 against the run line as a favorite.
- Chicago is 12-12 against the run line as an underdog.
White Sox at Astros Betting Preview
These are two teams that were supposed to be atop the MLB standings this season. Although Houston has held up their end of the bargain, Chicago has labored mightily.
So it’s no surprise that the White Sox are road underdogs in this contest.
But could Chicago upset the odds on Friday? Or is rolling with the Astros the correct decision?
White Sox at Astros Betting Prediction
Take the Houston Astros -1.5 with your MLB Thursday betting selection.
How to Bet on Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros
In the end, the Astros are one of the better MLB picks today. They have been a popular selection for those betting on baseball. However, Houston has not been great against the run line.
Nonetheless, I still like the Astros as the home favorites for Friday’s MLB matchups.
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