Free MLB Picks Today: Houston Astros vs Philadelphia Phillies 4/30/23

Yordan Alvarez will be looking to extend his 21-game on-base streak as the Houston Astros (14-13) host the Philadelphia Phillies (15-13) at Minute Maid Park on Sunday with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the three-game Interleague series.

The Phillies lead the series 2-0 after winning 6-1 on Saturday. Zack Wheeler threw six scoreless innings – striking out seven – for the win. Jake Cave was 3 for 4 with two doubles and one RBI in the win. Kody Clemens added a home run and two RBIs. Jeremy Pena went 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Astros.

ON THE MOUND

Bailey Falter (0-4, 4.50 ERA) is set to get the start for Philadelphia. The LHP allowed four runs (three earned) over six innings in his last start, a 5-3 road defeat against the Mariners on Tuesday. He was charged with the loss, scattering six hits while striking out seven.Falter is making his first appearance against the Astros this season.

Falter made one start against the Astros in 2022, a 3-2 road loss on October 5. He allowed two hits over one scoreless inning. For Houston, right-hander Jose Urquidy (1-2, 5.64 ERA) will take the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Phillies.

Urquidy made one appearance against the Phillies in 2022, throwing two innings in a 3-0 home defeat on October 3. He gave up two hits and walked two, while striking out one.

In his last start on Monday, Urquidy took the loss on the road against the Rays. He threw 2.2 innings and gave up six runs on seven hits, striking out three and walking two in the 8-3 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Philadelphia has averaged 3.8 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.4. Against right-handed pitchers like Urquidy this season, the Phils have a .787 OPS, fifth highest in MLB.

Brandon Marsh is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a 1.062 OPS in 59 at-bats. Houston is averaging only 2.2 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.6 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.193/.235/.329). The ‘Stros have a .718 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a 1.083 OPS over 27 at-bats, Alvarez has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Philadelphia is on a three-game winning streak on the road, bringing their record to 7-8 in 2023. The Phils have scored 4.2 runs per game away from home, while allowing 5.2 runs.

Houston has gone 6-9 at home this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. In the last 10 meetings at Minute Maid Park, Houston is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.1-2.9.

STANDINGS UPDATE

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