Free MLB Picks Today: Houston Astros vs Cincinnati Reds 6/17/23

The Houston Astros (+150) host the Cincinnati Reds (-180) at Minute Maid Park on Saturday. The early total has been set at 8.5 with the under a -120 favorite.

The Reds (35-35) took Friday’s series opener 2-1, their sixth straight victory overall and fourth in a row head-to-head. Andrew Abbott threw six scoreless innings to get the win, and Alexis Diaz earned his 18th save.

Tyler Stephenson was 2 for 4 with a solo home run in the win. Jose Abreu went 1 for 3 with a double and one run for the Astros (39-31).

ON THE MOUND

Hunter Greene (1-4, 4.01 ERA) is slated to start for Cincinnati. The righty ranks fourth in the NL in strikeouts (97). Greene allowed three runs over 5.1 innings in his last start, a 4-3 road win over the Cardinals on Sunday.

He yielded six hits while striking out nine and walking two in the no-decision. For Houston, right-hander Brandon Bielak (3-3, 4.01 ERA) gets the ball. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Reds.

In his last start on Sunday, Bielak took the loss on the road against the Guardians. He threw five innings and gave up five runs on nine hits, striking out four and walking two in the 5-0 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Cincinnati has averaged 4.6 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against righties like Bielak this season, the Reds have a .716 OPS. Jake Fraley is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .866 OPS in 149 at-bats.

Houston is averaging only 2.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.4 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.206/.272/.358).

The ‘Stros have a .696 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .970 OPS over 131 at-bats, Yordan Alvarez has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Cincinnati is on a six-game winning streak on the road, bringing their record to 18-17 in 2023. The Reds have scored 4.6 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.6 runs.

Houston has gone 20-16 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 3.6. In the last 10 games between the teams at Minute Maid Park, Cincinnati is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 4.7-2.8.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Reds are second in the NL Central, zero games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Astros are second in the AL West, three games behind the Rangers.