Free MLB Picks Today: Houston Astros vs Oakland Athletics 9/18/22

Framber Valdez, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Houston Astros (-165) as they match up against the Oakland Athletics (+140) at Minute Maid Park on Sunday with the visitors looking to split the four-game series. The early total was set at 8 with the under a -115 favorite. The Athletics (53-93) won 8-5 on Saturday for their first win of the series, their seventh head-to-head victory in 18 games this season. Cole Irvin got the win, giving up four runs on seven hits over seven innings, and Domingo Acevedo picked up his second save with a scoreless ninth. Seth Brown was 2 for 4 with a home run and a double in the win. He drove in four runs. Tony Kemp went 3 for 5 with a triple and three runs. Trey Mancini went 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Astros (95-51).

ON THE MOUND

Ken Waldichuk (0-1, 5.40 ERA) is slated for the start for Oakland. The lefty allowed five runs over five innings in his last start, an 8-7 road defeat against the Rangers on Tuesday. He scattered eight hits while striking out six and walking one in the no-decision. For Houston, lefty Valdez (15-5, 2.50 ERA) gets the ball. He has made two appearances against the Athletics this season, both starts, giving up four runs (3 ER) over 17 innings (1-1, 1.59) with 10 strikeouts and five walks. In his last start on Monday, Valdez threw a complete game shutout in a 7-0 victory over the Tigers. He gave up six hits, striking out eight and walking one en route to the win. The left-hander is tied for second in the AL in wins.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Oakland has averaged 5.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 3.5, due in part to greater slugging (.388 vs .347). Against left-handed pitchers like Valdez this season, the A’s have a .641 OPS, third lowest in MLB. Sean Murphy is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a .916 OPS in 118 at-bats. Houston is averaging only 4.6 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average. The ‘Stros have a .769 OPS against left-handers in 2022. With a .402 OBP over 134 at-bats, Yordan Alvarez has their highest on-base percentage against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Oakland is 30-44 away from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in 2022, scoring 4.0 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. Houston has gone 49-23 at home this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 3.2. In the last 10 games at Minute Maid Park between the AL West rivals, Houston is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.2-3.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Astros lead the AL West by 14 games over the Mariners. Their magic number in the division is four. The Athletics are fifth in the AL West, 42 games behind the Astros.