Astros vs. Mariners Odds
| Astros Odds | -120 |
| Mariners Odds | +100 |
| Over/Under | 7 |
| Time | 4:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB.TV |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here. | |
The Houston Astros are making their case as the team to beat in the American League this season. They look to continue to assert their dominance Sunday when they attempt a road sweep against the Seattle Mariners.
Houston takes its modest four-game winning streak into this matchup having won the first two games of this pivotal AL West Division series and sweeping a doubleheader against the New York Yankees. Frankly, the last three days of baseball have been a statement by the Astros.
Robbie Ray takes the ball for the Mariners, looking to get Seattle back in the win column. He'll be opposed by Framber Valdez, who suddenly has long braids. Could the beardless Ray take down the newly coiffed Valdez?
Houston Astros
Valdez unveiled a new hair do in his last start, so that will be the big storyline heading into this start. Well, at least for me.
The Houston pitcher has emerged as a top-tier starter and his ability to get ground balls has given him the ability to continually pitch himself out of jams. He has a 3.50 FIP and 3.48 xFIP on the road, but has managed to post a 1.86 ERA away from home. That's a testament to his ability to get outs when he needs them.
The Astros' offense also hasn't seemed to be bothered by any pitchers of late. The club presently has the seventh-best team wRC+ on the road against left-handed pitching as it continues to establish itself as the AL team to beat.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners rode a 14-game winning streak into the All-Star break, which seemed to slow the momentum they were building. Right out of the gate, they've dropped two games and are looking at a potential sweep at the hands of their division rivals.
Ray has been exceptional at home, posting a 2.25 ERA, 2.82 FIP and 3.04 xFIP in 64 home innings. He will have his hands full against an Astros' lineup that's currently defying all splits at the moment.
On the other side, the Seattle offense has been held to three runs over the first two games of this series, despite being one of the best attacks in MLB heading into the break. The club is hoping to get back on track in this contest.
Astros-Mariners Pick
This matchup is a real coin flip, but factoring bullpens into the pitching picture, it seems the under is looking achievable. Some books still have the total set at 7.5 runs, but it seems the going rate and best value sits at seven runs.
If the under stays at seven, then it should be played to -115 odds. However, running the total down to 6.5 seems a little too risky even with the pitching match up. That said, back under seven runs as long as it's available.
Pick: Total Under 7 Runs (-105)
