There was a time, not that long ago, that the Los Angeles Angels felt like an afterthought. However, the Halos got it together and now find themselves within striking distance of an AL wild-card spot. If the Angels want to make one final push toward the postseason, they will need to improve their play, as the team is just 4-9 in its last 13 games. The Angels visit the Houston Astros for a three-game set that kicks off Friday.
Garrett Richards will be making his fourth start since returning to the rotation for the Angels. Though the righty has been working under a pitch count, he has allowed just four earned runs with a 14/2 K/BB ratio in his past three starts. Richards said he is capable of hitting the 100-pitch threshold after throwing 74 this past Sunday.
The Astros will counter with Justin Verlander, who has been unstoppable since joining the club. In three starts in a ’Stros uni, Verlander has a 0.86 ERA with 21 strikeouts to just three walks. The last time the 34-year-old allowed more than two runs in a start came back on August 15.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had set the Houston Astros as -167 favorites on the moneyline for this contest. The OVER/UNDER was hovering near 8.5 for betting fans hoping to turn a profit on totals at Sportsbook.
Prediction-scoring formulas run on this game pick a potential 3.6-2.7 result in favor of the Astros. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Los Angeles Angels vs Houston Astros Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Houston Astros sport a record of 93-59 heading into this matchup, while the Los Angeles Angels sit at 76-76 on the season. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Houston vs Los Angeles injuries news.
The Houston Astros sit at No. 15 in the current MLB power poll here at OddsShark, while the Los Angeles Angels sit at No. 14 on the same chart.
Statistical Matchup
At the plate, Houston owns the No. 1 ranking for hits at 9.72 per game. By contrast, the Los Angeles Angels are rated No. 29 in the same category at 8.18 per game.
Los Angeles brings the No. 10-rated defense to this matchup, facing the Astros' No. 12-ranked defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Los Angeles suffered a 4-1 loss against Cleveland on Thursday, as Parker Bridwell wasn't able to lead his team to victory at Angel Stadium.
Houston didn't get the job done in their last match, falling 3-1 to Chicago on Thursday at Minute Maid Park.
Next Betting Matchups
Los Angeles at Houston, Saturday, September 23