Astros Look to Keep Stacking Wins as Red Sox Visit

The Boston Red Sox head to Houston for a three-game series against the Astros, starting Monday (8:10 p.m. ET).

Right now, nobody wants to play the Astros. Houston is 9-1 in its last ten games and has a 4.0-game lead in the American League West. Keep in mind, this is the same team that looked like it’d miss the playoffs a few months ago.

Houston made some important MLB trade deadline moves and is now cruising. The Astros don’t have any MLB leaders 2024, but that hasn’t stopped them in the second half.

On the other hand, the Red Sox are just 4-6 in their last ten games. As such, the Red Sox have fallen 3.5 games out of the last AL wild card spot.

Therefore, the Astros are -124 favorites in Game 1 of this series, with the total set at 8.5, but the Under is juiced to -122.

Follow along as we take a deep dive into the Red Sox vs Astros MLB odds for the entire series.

Kristian Campbell Promoted To AAA

The Boston Red Sox have sent Kristian Campbell to Triple-A Worcester after he hit a .362 average in 56 games at Double-A Portland.

Notable prospect Roman Anthony joked with the media and said they call him “Barry Bonds.” Anthony insists he’s a great player and a freak athlete.

It’s unlikely Boston will promote him in September, but if he continues his surge in Triple-A, the Red Sox could make the call.

Shay Whitcomb’s Debut

The Houston Astros called up Shay Whitcomb for his MLB debut on August 17. In his first at-bat, he ripped a double off the wall in right-center field at home. His presence has significantly positively impacted the Astros.

He’ll play first base and be a designated hitter for the Astros, despite playing third base in most of his time with Triple-A.

His presence won’t move Houston’s MLB odds to win World Series, but he certainly won’t hurt those odds.

Red Sox vs Astros MLB Odds For Game 1:

RL: Red Sox -1.5 (+168) ML: Astros -124, O/U: 8.5 +100/-122

Red Sox vs Astros Series Preview

The Boston Red Sox will turn to Tanner Houck in their series opener. Houck is a right-hander who’s struck out only 11.2% of his last 134 batters.

While his strikeout rate is down, he’s still added 54.4% of ground balls in that time while holding his last 134 batters to an 18.4% fly ball rate. So, while he’s not getting strikeouts, he’s getting weak contact that usually results in outs.

The Astros have hit a .206 ISO and wOBA of .353 against righties over the last 30 days. Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez have dominated righties. Jon Singleton isn’t far from those guys, either. Houston should be able to put the ball in play. When teams do that, good things generally happen.

On the other hand, the Astros will roll with lefty Yusei Kikuchi. He’s limited his last 113 batters to a .118 ISO and wOBA of .291. He’s also added 32.7% of strikeouts.

This is significant because the Red Sox’s projected lineup has struck out nearly 25% of the time against lefties over the last month. Boston’s lineup could have six batters with a strikeout rate of at least 22.6% and five batters who have struck out at least 24% of the time against lefties.

The Red Sox still hit for power against lefties. They’ve smacked a .243 ISO over the last month. But it’s hard to see where the power will come from if the strikeouts are high.

At least the Astros can put the ball in play and make something happen. Boston, on the other hand, will whiff a whole lot more.

Let’s back Houston at -124 in Game 1 of this series.

Boston will give Nick Pivetta another chance on the mound. Pivetta has had a peculiar season. His ERA is an underwhelming 4.49, but he’s struck out 30% of batters this season.

Over the last month, Pivetta has earned 32.5% of strikeouts and has limited walks to 3.6%. But when he’s not fooling hitters, he generally runs into trouble.

Pivetta has allowed a .346 ISO and wOBA of .389 with more than 40% of fly balls over the last 30 days. This is why he’s struggled to find consistent success.

Meanwhile, the Astros will counter with Ronel Blanco. Blanco is a righty who has allowed a .255 ISO and wOBA of .352 to his last 59 lefties. He’s been much better against righties, minus the high walk rate.

Boston has a few lefties that destroy right-handed pitching. But overall, Blanco has shown much more consistency than Pivetta this MLB season. Blanco is 9-6 with a 2.89 ERA heading into this game.

Take Houston to continue its winning ways in Game 2. The Astros are one of our favorite MLB picks for Tuesday.

Cooper Criswell will get the start for the Red Sox, while Houston has yet to announce its starter. He’s averaged under 50 pitches per game, so this will likely be a bullpen game. Criswell won’t add high strikeouts, but he’s at least held his last 74 batters to a .121 ISO.

Wait on the Houston pitcher before betting the Red Sox vs Astros MLB odds for this game.

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

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Blue Jays vs Cubs Picks: Toronto Hits Windy City For Weekend Series
  
• Red Sox vs Orioles Betting: O’s Should Start Weekend Strong
  
• Twins vs Rangers MLB Picks: Minnesota Favored in Opener
  
• MLB: August 14th Weekly Home/Road Report
  
• PointSpreads Academy: How to Bet on the MLB World Series

Subscribe to get

Thank you for subscribing