Free MLB Picks Today: Houston Astros vs Philadelphia Phillies 4/28/23

Framber Valdez, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Houston Astros (14-11) as they host the Philadelphia Phillies (13-13) at Minute Maid Park on Friday for the opener of a three-game Interleague series.

The Phillies are playing their first of six games on the road after wrapping up a productive seven-game homestand (5-2). They won two out of three in their last series against the Mariners, taking the finale 1-0 on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park.

Nick Castellanos was 1 for 3 with one run. The Astros are playing the first of six games at home after returning from a successful six-game road trip (5-1).

They won two of three against the Rays in their last series, taking the finale 1-0 on Wednesday at Tropicana Field. Jeremy Pena went 2 for 4 with one run.

The teams are meeting for the first time since 2022 World Series, which the Astros won in six games. The Astros won two of the three regular season games between the teams.

ON THE MOUND

Aaron Nola (1-2, 5.40 ERA) is in line for the start for Philadelphia. The right-hander allowed three runs over seven innings in his last start, a 4-3 road win over the Rockies on April 21. He gave up four hits while striking out three and walking three in the no-decision.

Nola made one start against the Astros in 2022, a 3-0 road victory on October 3. He allowed two hits over 6.2 scoreless innings, striking out nine. Left-hander Valdez (2-2, 2.25 ERA) will toe the rubber for Houston.

Valdez made one start against the Phillies in 2022, throwing five innings in a 3-2 home win on October 5. He gave up two hits and walked one, while striking out 10 in the win.

In his last start on Saturday, Valdez got the win on the road against the Braves. He threw seven innings and gave up three runs on eight hits, striking out nine, in the 6-3 victory.

AT THE PLATE

The Philadelphia offense is averaging 4.4 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .279/.336/.450. Four Phillies hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Brandon Marsh (1.138). The outfield is slashing .351/.435/.703 with four home runs, 13 RBIs, and 15 runs over 24 games.

Against lefties like Valdez this season, the Phils have a .755 OPS. Edmundo Sosa is the team’s most productive hitter against left-handers with a 1.164 OPS in 25 at-bats. Houston is slashing .251/.328/.384 for the season and averaging 4.9 runs per game.

Kyle Tucker leads the team with a .927 OPS. The center fielder has five home runs, 19 RBIs, and 10 runs scored with a slash line of .302/.415/.512.

The ‘Stros have a .710 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .952 OPS over 57 at-bats, Tucker also has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Philadelphia is 5-8 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 5.8 runs. Houston has gone 6-7 at their home park this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game while surrendering 4.2. In the last 10 games between the teams at Minute Maid Park, Houston is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.1-3.6.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Phillies are third in the NL East, five games behind the division-leading Braves. The Astros are second in the AL West, zero games behind the Rangers.