Framber Valdez, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, leads the way for the Houston Astros (33-23) as they face off against the Los Angeles Angels (30-28) at Minute Maid Park on Friday. The Astros took Thursday’s series opener 5-2, their third head-to-head victory in four games this season.
Ronel Blanco went 5.1 innings to get the win, giving up two runs on seven hits, and Ryan Pressly earned his 11th save with a scoreless ninth. Kyle Tucker went 3 for 4 with two doubles and two runs in the win. Brandon Drury was 2 for 5 with a solo home run and a double for the Angels.
ON THE MOUND
Shohei Ohtani (5-1, 2.91 ERA) is set to start for Los Angeles. The right-hander leads the AL in strikeouts (90). Ohtani allowed two runs (one earned) over six innings in his last start, an 8-5 road defeat against the Marlins on Saturday.
He yielded six hits while striking out 10 and walking three in the no-decision. Ohtani has made one previous start against the Astros this season, a 3-1 home loss on May 9. He surrendered three runs on six hits over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two.
For Houston, southpaw Valdez (5-4, 2.45 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made one prior start against the Angels this season, giving up one run over eight innings in a 3-1 road win on May 9. He gave up three hits while striking out 12 in the win.
In his last start on Saturday, Valdez got the win on the road against the Athletics. He threw six innings and gave up one run on four hits, striking out five and walking three in the 6-3 victory. The left-hander ranks fourth in the AL in ERA.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Los Angeles has averaged 4.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.9. Against lefties like Valdez this season, the Halos have an .801 OPS, fifth highest in the league.
Gio Urshela is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a .980 OPS in 43 at-bats. Houston is averaging 5.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.5 for the season.
The ‘Stros have a .698 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .937 OPS over 110 at-bats, Yordan Alvarez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Los Angeles is 15-15 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Houston has gone 16-13 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 3.8. In the last 10 meetings at Minute Maid Park, Houston is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.3-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Angels are fourth in the AL West, six games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Astros are second in the AL West, two games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Under 7.5 Runs (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
