The New York Yankees and Houston Astros will battle in Game 1 of the ALCS.
New York wrapped up a 5-game ALDS series vs the Cleveland Guardians that saw them get the job done in the final game. Their reward? A date with the mighty Houston Astros on the road.
Game 1 of the ALDS
For Houston, they have enjoyed a nice break, as they haven’t played since the weekend. It will be interesting to see how their extended rest period affects their performance in Game 1 of the ALDS.
Their MLB schedule has been odd as of late, as they have only played three total games within the past two weeks.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:37 PM EST on Wednesday, October 19th at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX. Let’s take a look at the AL low vs AL high odds.
New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros Odds
The Yankees and Astros will go head-to-head in Houston in Game 1 of the ALCS. The Astros are unsurprising favorites to open the series.
First off, the Yankees enter this series fresh off of a Tuesday night ball game. Secondly, the Astros are sending ace Justin Verlander to the mound.
MLB Injury Report
Houston doesn’t have much to worry about in reference to the MLB injury report either, given their additional rest they have recently received.
The Yankees are a team capable of upsetting the odds. In rare instances, they were underdogs during the season; they performed well. But New York will have their work cut out for them against Houston.
But with Aaron Judge on your team, anything is possible without question. Let’s take a closer look at the Yankees vs. Astros odds.
Matchup Information
- Time and Date: 10/19/2022, 7:37 P.M. EST.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Venue: Minute Maid Park
How to Watch: TBS
New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros Betting Preview
Starting Pitchers
Jameson Taillon takes the hill opposite Justin Verlander in Game 1.
It goes without saying, but Verlander is the better pitcher. However, Taillon wasn’t bad by any means in 2022. The right-hander finished the year with a 14-5 record to go along with a steady 3.91 ERA. He struck out 151 batters while posting a 1.13 WHIP.
ALDS
Taillon pitched just once in the ALDS, and that was an abbreviated relief appearance that saw him surrender a pair of runs. In his defense, he is not used to being utilized in a relief role.
His last official start came on October 4th in Texas against the Rangers, so Taillon may show signs of rust against the Astros.
Meanwhile, Justin Verlander was knocked around by the Mariners in Game 1 of the ALDS.
Astros’ Offense
He ultimately gave up six runs in four innings. The Astros offense bailed him out, and he was served with a no-decision, but there is no question that Verlander will aspire to pitch better in Game 1 of the ALCS.
He finished the regular season with an incredible 1.75 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. Verlander will likely win the AL Cy Young award barring a truly shocking vote.
New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros Betting Preview
After reviewing the pitchers and AL low vs AL high odds, it is time to make our official MLB betting prediction.
This projects to be an evenly matched series throughout. However, Houston holds a clear advantage in Game 1. The only thing New York has going for them is rhythm.
Who to Bet On?
Houston may be a bit out of rhythm after not playing in a few days. Meanwhile, the Yankees just played on Tuesday night.
But the rest of the advantages lie in the Astros favor. Justin Verlander vs. Jameson Taillon, home-field advantage, and a rested bullpen are all things that will benefit the Astros to open the series.
The Yankees obviously feature upset potential. But this Astros ball club is the pick to click for this Wednesday night ball game.
MLB Pick: Astros -1.5 (+115)
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