American League West rivals will kick off the second half in the first of a three-game series Friday as the Houston Astros (50-41) take on the Los Angeles Angels (45-46).
With the trade deadline quickly approaching, both of these MLB teams are hoping to get off to fast starts as the second half begins.
Read ahead to get all of the information on this matchup, including our Astros vs Angels betting picks.
Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Odds
Moneyline: The Los Angeles Angels will come into this one as the favorites playing at home. Their moneyline sits at -160. As underdogs, the Astros MLB odds to win sit at +145.
Spread: For the Astros vs Angels betting picks tonight, the Angels spread has been set at -1.5, with odds of +130. The Astros are +1.5 on the spread, with odds of -150.
Over/Under: The over/under for total runs have been set at eight for this contest. The odds for both the over and the under are -110.
Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Information
Houston Astros vs Los Angeles Angels
Location of the game: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA.
Date & Time: Friday, July 14.
How to watch: MLB.TV
Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Analysis
Houston Astros Performance Recap and Analysis
Astros currently ranks second in the AL West, two games behind the Texas Rangers for first. They are hoping that a soft upcoming MLB schedule will help them make up ground as they have the fifth-easiest remaining strength of schedule in the majors.
On the mound, Friday will be rookie J.P. France. In 11 games, he is 4-3 with a 3.26 ERa, 1.21 WHIP, and he has 48 strikeouts in 66.1 innings.
At the plate, All-Star Kyle Tucker has some of the best MLB stats for the Astros this season. In 323 at-bats, he is hitting .288/.365/.471 with 13 home runs, 56 runs batted in, 46 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases.
Astros Key Injuries
When it comes to making Houston Astros predictions, health has been a major factor this season. They are currently without slugger Yordan Alvarez and second baseman Jose Altuve. Their pitching staff is also thin, as Jose Urquidy, Lance McCullers Jr, and Luis Garcia are all on the shelf.
Alvarez and Urquidy are expected to start rehab assignments soon, but neither will be back for the upcoming MLB games.
Houston Betting Trends to Know
- Houston comes into this one 8-4 in their last 12 MLB games.
- When making your Astros vs Angels betting picks, it is worth noting Houston is 5-1 both in their last six road games and in their last six games against the Angels.
Los Angeles Angels Performance Recap and Analysis
At 45-46, the Los Angeles Angels currently rank fourth in the MLB standings in the AL West. They sit seven games back of the first-place Rangers.
Leading the way for the Angels both at the plate and on the mound is All-Star Shohei Ohtani. In 17 starts, Ohtani is 7-4 with a 3.32 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and he has struck out 132 in 100.1 innings.
Ohtani has been even better at the plate. Looking at his MLB stats, he is hitting .302/.387/.663 with 32 home runs, 71 runs batted in, 63 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases in 341 at bats.
Key Injuries For The Angels
Simply put, the Los Angeles Angels roster 2023 does not look nearly as good without Mike Trout in the lineup. While he has 18 home runs and 44 runs batted in this season, Trout is currently on the injured list as he deals with a hand injury.
Third baseman Anthony Rendon (2 HR, 22 RBI, 23 R) is also out for this game as he deals with a leg injury.
Los Angeles Betting Trends to Know
- The Angels are trying to snap a streak of five straight losses Friday.
- They are also 1-4 in their last five home games.
Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Betting Picks
For our MLB picks, we will be taking the Astros as the underdog on the moneyline. Not only have the Angels been struggling as of late, but with no protection for Ohtani in the lineup, the Astros can pitch around the All-Star.
It is also worth watching to see if Ohtani is completely over his blister issue, which led to him giving up five earned runs in his last pitching start.
- For the spread, take the Astros at +1.5 (-150).
There is a lot of value in taking the Astros as the underdog straight up, but even if they do falter, they should at least be able to keep this one close.
- For the last of our Astros vs Angels betting picks, take the under.
In the last seven matchups at Angel Stadium between these two, the under has hit. Expect that trend to continue Friday.
Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Prediction
- MLB Pick: Astros 4 – Angels 3
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