The Houston Astros (104-56) will host the Philadelphia Phillies (87-73) on Tuesday in an interleague affair.
The Phillies have now won three games in a row and clinched a postseason berth on Monday. Their 10-year playoff drought came to an end, and now they will focus on finishing the regular season on a high note.
The Astros are not playing for much, as they already clinched the American League’s best record. Nevertheless, they have dropped three of their last five games.
The first pitch is scheduled for 8:10 PM EST at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX. Let’s take a look at the Astros vs Phillies best bets and MLB betting stats.
Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Astros and Phillies are both headed to the playoffs. Houston has been a regular mainstay in the playoffs over the past few years, while Philadelphia hasn’t seen postseason action since 2011.
There may not be quite as much fire under the Phillies on Tuesday after clinching their playoff berth. But the same can obviously be said for Houston.
The Houston Astros odds of winning are still favorable with Justin Verlander on the mound. Let’s take a closer look at the Astros vs Phillies best bets.
Astros and Phillies’ Last Records
Philadelphia upset Houston on Monday with a 3-0 victory. Aaron Nola lasted 6.2 innings of shutout baseball while striking out nine Astros and allowing only two hits. Kyle Schwarber set the tone on offense with a pair of solo home runs.
The Astros still want to enter the playoffs with momentum, so we will see how they respond to their Monday defeat.
In the end, those who made Philadelphia Phillies picks cashed out nicely in the first game of this series. But betting against Houston is always a risky decision.
Astros vs. Phillies Betting Analysis
Velander as Starter
Justin Verlander (17-4, 1.80) will oppose Ranger Suarez (10-6, 3.37) on Tuesday evening. Verlander is on track to add another Cy Young award to the mantle.
But Suarez has been quietly effective for the Phillies. Aaron Nola and Zach Wheeler get all of the attention in Philadelphia’s starting rotation, but Suarez has been a reliable middle-of-the-rotation option.
His performance might earn him a postseason start or two at some point. Verlander will likely start Game 1 of the ALDS for Houston.
The Astros’ bye in the first round allows Dusty Baker to set up his rotation exactly how he wants to.
The veteran right-hander is looking to cap off his potential Cy Young campaign with a solid outing in this one.
The Astros are in the top 10 in almost every category. Their balance is nearly unparalleled as they do everything well.
Phillie’s Offense
Philadelphia’s offense ranks in the top 10 in most categories. But their pitching has some questions. On the season, they are ranked 17th in team ERA, 11th in WHIP, fourth in home runs surrendered, and 14th in batting average against.
Their pitching staff is good enough to help them make a playoff run. But it is not as dominant as the teams they will be facing.
Odds Breakdown
Astros Odds Breakdown
The Astros are the unsurprising home favorites on Tuesday with Verlander on the bump. As aforementioned, they were unable to cover the run line on Monday.
But Houston has been an effective betting choice this season. They tend to come through on the run line at home.
Phillies Odds Breakdown
The Phillies upset the odds in a low-scoring fashion on Monday. Doing so once again on Tuesday will prove to be quite the challenge.
Is it possible? Sure, but most bettors will take Houston in this game.
Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies Betting Pick and Prediction
What are the Astros vs Phillies best bets? Can Philadelphia pull off the upset again, or will the Astros take care of business?
The Phillies are fresh off of a division-clinching win, and they may not be at the top of their game on Tuesday. With Justin Verlander leading the charge, Houston is in line to get the job done at home.
MLB Pick: Astros -1.5 (+125)
MLB Pick: Under 7 (-110)
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