Look For Starters To Rebound In AL West Matchup

Astros vs. Athletics, 4:07 ET

My kid just turned 18 the other day. It is a bit wild to me that I have someone going off to college in a few months, and that technically he is an adult. It made me realize a few things though as it relates to sports betting. One, don’t assume what you put in will be your return – in my case, I feel like I put in a ton to raising him, but I still probably got more out of it than he did. Two, don’t stick to what once was, keep forming opinions. I mention that second point specifically as the Astros take on the Athletics. 

Just about a week ago these two clubs were squaring of in Houston. The Astros were able to win all four games of that series and were in the midst of winning eight of ten games. That put them closer to the .500 record – prior to that stretch, they were twelve games under. If you went into the season thinking the Astros would once again be the team to beat, I really couldn’t blame you. However, as the season went on, we could see that things are changing. The pitching staff looked like hot garbage and was causing the team to lose games. The offense really hasn’t been an issue. Now the Astros are still under .500, but look like more of a threat than they used to. Today they send out Framber Valdez to the hill. Valdez is a guy that I loved because he was churning out quality start after quality start. This hasn’t been the case this season as he only has three quality starts in seven outings. He is also coming off of his worst start of the season. In that game, he allowed eight earned runs on ten hits, including three home runs. This is the second time he will face the Athletics this season and he allowed just two hits and two walks on his way to seven strong, scoreless innings. There is a possibility that Spencer Arrighetti pitches for the Astros instead. If that is the case, make sure you are betting this only with Valdez as a listed starter. 

Mr. Consistency is Framber Valdez. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)

If I held my thoughts about teams before this season, I would’ve told you the Athletics might win 40 games this year. The team still could win fewer than 60, but they at least look relevant. In the last paragraph, I mentioned that the Astros looked terrible and then looked great. Well, the opposite can be said (somewhat) for the Athletics. When they played the Astros, they were within striking distance of a .500 record. They lost eight straight games, including the four against the Astros, and they lost nine of 10 in that stretch. The team isn’t doing anything great, but they are at least competitive which is more than we could say about them last season. For example, the didn’t win their 20th game last season until June 23rd. This afternoon, they put JP Sears against Valdez in hopes of moving up a bit and avoiding another losing streak against the Astros. Sears has been decent enough overall with a 1.18 WHIP and a 4.31 ERA. The ERA isn’t going to pop any eyeballs, but keeping people off of the bases should lead to that lowering. In may, he has a solid 3.80 ERA and has alternated his four starts with strong outings and then ones where he gives up four earned. He did face the Astros last series and allowed one solo homer in five innings. 

I don’t think this is a great spot for the Astros, so I wouldn’t recommend the run line. However, I think they probably win the game. The moneyline is a bit rich for my blood, but I’ll take the under for the first five innings. I think Sears can replicate his performance from last time and I believe that Valdez can do the same. Back the under through five. 

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