Astros vs Angels Betting Odds Preview: Ohtani’s Future Uncertainty

With an eye on the MLB World Series the Houston Astros (50-41) head to the West Coast to take on the Los Angeles Angels (45-46). Getting the ball for the Astros is J.P. France (4-3, 3.26 era), he’ll oppose Shohei Ohtani (7-4, 3.32 era). The Halos opened as a -154 favorite with the total sitting at 8 (-110).

When we compare the Astros vs the Angels in the standings, this is clearly a massive series for the Angels who trail the Astros by five games in the AL West and seven days for the lead. We continue our Astros vs Angels betting odds preview with a look at both teams followed by our prediction.

Astros a .500 Team Since June 1st

If the Houston Astros want to win the American League West for the third straight MLB season, they’re going to have to start stringing wins together starting with this series against the Angels. In June, Houston finished 13-14 after a 32-23 start.

They’ve only played five games in July, but combined with June, Houston is an uncharacteristic 18-18. A couple of teams have given the ‘stros fits in 2023, starting with the Seattle Mariners who are 5-2 against Houston followed by the Minnesota Twins, winners of four of six meetings. The Angles are not one of those teams who have caused problems for Houston, losing five of seven matchups.

Houston will lean on J.P. France in game one. The righty has won three of their last five meetings, allowing 11 earned runs in his last 32.2 innings (3.03 era). The Astros are just 5-6 when House gets the start, despite scoring 4.76 runs in support. It’s feast or famine for House in terms of run support.

The New Orleans native has received two runs or less in four of his 11 starts and five or more in seven others. Doesn’t seem to be a middle ground. Let’s continue our Astros vs Angels betting odds preview by shifting our focus to the Angels.

Is There A Future For Ohtani & the Angels

To begin the season, Ohtani made it clear that he wants to win. It’s debatable what that means exactly but one would figure it means the Japanese All-Star wants to win a World Series. In his time in Anaheim, the Angels have never made the postseason leaving the rest of the league to speculate that Friday’s starter will be moved either at the deadline or in the offseason.

Ohtani is in the final year of his $30,000,000 contract. His base salary is about to break baseball records and the all-star break did nothing but provide a platform for many players to make their case for their club. Before that, Ohtani will try to get his team closer to a wild-card spot. Trailing Houston and Toronto by five games for the last entry.

Ohtani is 2-2 in his last five starts with a no-decision, allowing 12 earned runs in his last 29.1 innings (3.68 era). Ohtani is 4-2 at home with a 2.35 era, allowing just 32 hits in 57.1 innings. We conclude our Astros vs Angels betting odds preview with our official selection.

Bettors Continue To Gravitate Towards Ohtani

It’s almost as automatic as death and taxes, the betting public will almost always bet on the Angels when Shohei Ohtani starts. Early indications show that this trend won’t stop in this one with 71% of the early wagers in on the Angels.

That thinking hasn’t been a friend to the public with Ohtani costing bettors 196 units over the last four years. In 2023, bettors are 11-6 (+108 units), but a loss Friday put the 3-time all-star back in the red. As an underdog, Houston is 16-14 (+413 units) and 14-11 (+520 units) as a road dog.

This is the time of year when you start to see the big dogs flex. We think Houston is the play here, but lay the -150 and take the run-line. That does it for our Astros vs Angels betting odds preview, we wish you nothing but the best in the second half of the season.

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

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