The Houston Astros (13-12) and Kansas City Royals (13-14) play the second game of their series on Saturday night at Kauffman Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET; the game will be broadcast on FS1.
The Astros were blanked in the series opener on Friday and turn to Framber Valdez on Saturday as they try to even the series. Michael Wacha gets the start for the surging Royals, who have won five straight games.
Continue below for Astros vs Royals predictions for Saturday night.
Astros vs Royals Predictions
- Astros vs Royals picks:Yordan Alvarez Home Run; Framber Valdez Over 17.5 Outs
Astros vs Royals Odds
| Astros Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +124 | 7.5 -112o / -108u | -142 |
| Royals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -148 | 7.5 -112o / -108u | +120 |
Astros vs Royals Projected Starting Pitchers
| LHP Framber Valdez (HOU) | Stat | RHP Michael Wacha (KC) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | W-L | 0-3 |
| 0.5 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 0.7 |
| 4.50 / 4.23 | ERA /xERA | 4.15 / 4.25 |
| 3.49 / 3.52 | FIP / xFIP | 3.14 / 4.48 |
| 1.36 | WHIP | 1.31 |
| 12.6% | K-BB% | 9% |
| 51.9% | GB% | 39.7% |
| 111 | Stuff+ | 99 |
| 105 | Location+ | 100 |
Astros vs Royals Predictions, Prop Picks
By Nick Galaida
Valdez hasn't been at his best to begin 2025, but this is still a very playable line. Across his last 28 innings pitched, Valdez is averaging an efficient 3.78 pitches per batter faced while continuing to induce a high rate of ground balls. The Royals' offense ranks 27th in wRC+ against LHP across the last 14 days and 22nd in wRC+ against LHP across the last 30 days. They are also an aggressive offense that likes to attack pitchers early in counts. If Valdez is moderately effective, he should have every opportunity to complete 6 innings.
Pick: Framber Valdez Over 17.5 Pitching Outs (-140; DraftKings)
The matchup and the weather aren't great for Yordan today, but the odds more than make up for it. Yordan has been slumping a little this season, but the barrel rate and bat speed show he's in for some decent positive regression. He's far too good of a hitter to keep this slump up for long, and the odds we are getting are far too good. I have the true odds under +400.
Pick: Yordan Alvarez Home Run (+475; bet365)
Astros vs Royals Same-Game Parlay
- Framber Valdez Over 17.5 Outs (-150)
- Yordan Alvarez Home Run (+450)
Parlay odds: +800 (DraftKings)
Astros vs Royals Betting Trends
