Houston Astros vs Baltimore Orioles Series Betting Preview

The Houston Astros (64-49) continue their east coast run with a stop in Baltimore to start a 3-game series with the Baltimore Orioles (70-42) before heading home. The Texas Rangers continue to lead the Astros by 2.5 games for supremacy in the American League West, while the O’s hope to hold off the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East.

The Astros will send Framber Valdez (9-7, 3.07) to the hill for his first start after throwing a no-hitter against Cleveland. He’ll oppose Grayson Rodriguez (2-3, 6.09) for the Orioles. MLB odds show Houston as a slight -125 road favorite, with the total sitting at 8.5 (under -105).

We continue our Astros vs Orioles series preview with a deeper look at the Houston Astros from a betting perspective.

Expect Bettors Flock to Valdez

Once this number settles down, you can bet that there will be public money on the Houston Astros and Framber Valdez who is fresh off his gem against Cleveland to start the month of August. They’ll need every bit of what the 2-time all-star has against the Orioles who own the best record in the American League.

Bettors might anticipate that MLB team betting stats will favor the Astros but if you’ve put your money on Houston every game in 2023, you would know that Houston has cost the public money with 134 units lost on straight $100 wagers per game. As a favorite the ‘Stros are 45-34, but because Houston is usually a big favorite, that has put bettors in a 775-unit hole, 5th worst in Major League Baseball.

We would suggest pumping the brakes on an Astros wager, but are the numbers any better for Baltimore? Let’s continue our Astros vs Orioles series preview with a look at the O’s betting numbers.

Realistically, Who Are These Orioles?

We’re aware that the Baltimore Orioles top the American League MLB standings, but do we think this team has a realistic chance of going deep in the postseason, or better yet, can we start to financially back them against the big boys of the league? According to our recent power rankings, we have the O’s at 5th overall behind division mate Tampa Bay, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

There isn’t any better story in baseball than the one the Orioles are telling for the fans and bettors. Baltimore has been the most profitable team in baseball with 2213 units won and it’s not even close. The Cincinnati Reds are in the second spot with 1150 units won. That’s almost twice as much. As an overall underdog, Baltimore is 32-27 (+1191 units), giving them another top ranking, In this series, the O’s open as a home dog, a spot they’ve struggled in with a 9-10 record (-49 units).

We put a lot of emphasis on MLB players betting stats, but sometimes you have to just have to lean on experience because will always tell you where you’ve been, don’t where you’re going. Let’s conclude our Astros vs Orioles series preview with our game one selection.

Resist The Lure Of The No Hitter

There’s an old baseball betting strategy that says to go against pitchers after throwing a no-hitter. It’s a sound strategy after a pitcher heard how great he is for five days. It’s mentally exhausting and usually shows in their next start.

Throw out his last start, Valdez has given up four or more earned runs in three of his last four starts, including allowing six earned runs against the Texas Rangers, on July 26th, a 13-4 loss. The Astros are just 3-3 in Valdez’s last six starts. The numbers on Grayson Rodriguez are not as flashy but his current form shows that the 23-year-old has allowed just five earned runs in his last 17.2 innings pitched (2.55 era). We’re going to take the plus money with the Orioles.

That’s it for our Astros vs Orioles series preview, we wish you nothing but the best with your wagers.

For MLB news, MLB odds, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Giants vs Angels Preview: Ohtani Set to Pitch in Series Finale for Floundering Angels
• Cubs vs Mets Betting Preview: Cubs Aim to Extend Playoff Push Against Struggling Mets
• Blue Jays vs Guardians Betting Odds: Ryu Favored in Series Opener
• Braves vs Pirates Preview: Atlanta Aims To Get Back on Track in Pittsburgh
• Yankees vs White Sox Odds: New York’s Still In Contention