Framber Valdez, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Houston Astros (49-40) as they match up against the Seattle Mariners (44-43) at Minute Maid Park on Saturday.
The Mariners lead the series 2-0 after winning 10-1 on Friday, their fourth straight head-to-head victory and fourth in five games this season. Luis Castillo went seven innings, giving up one run (0 ER) on five hits, to get the win.
Mike Ford was 3 for 3 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored three runs and drove in four. Kolten Wong added a double, one run, and two RBIs. Chas McCormick went 1 for 3 with a double and one run for the Astros.
ON THE MOUND
Bryan Woo (1-1, 4.08 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Seattle. The righty allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 6-5 road win over the Giants on Monday. He scattered three hits while striking out seven and walking two in the no-decision.
Southpaw Valdez (7-6, 2.49 ERA) will toe the rubber for Houston. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Mariners. Valdez made two appearances against the Mariners in 2022, both starts, striking out 15 and walking two over 13.2 innings (1-0, 3.95).
In his last start on June 27, Valdez took the loss on the road against the Cardinals. He threw six innings and gave up four runs on eight hits, striking out six and walking three in the 4-2 defeat. The southpaw leads the AL in ERA.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Seattle has averaged 5.4 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.6. Against left-handed pitchers like Valdez this season, the M’s have a .708 OPS.
Ty France is the team’s best hitter against left-handers with a .892 OPS in 79 at-bats. Houston is averaging 4.8 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.6 for the season.
The ‘Stros have a .718 OPS against righties in 2023. With a .565 SLG over 249 at-bats, Yordan Alvarez has been their best power hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Seattle is 20-23 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.7 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Houston has gone 24-21 at home this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.2.
Houston is 6-4 in the last 10 games at Minute Maid Park between the AL West rivals with an average scoreline of 4.3-4.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Mariners are third in the AL West, seven games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Astros are second in the AL West, three games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros (-140)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
