The Houston Astros (+130) host the Tampa Bay Rays (-150) at Minute Maid Park on Sunday with the three-game series even at 1-1. The early total was set at 7.5 runs with the under a -125 favorite. The Astros (103-55) leveled the series 1-1 after winning 2-1 on Saturday, their fourth head-to-head victory in five games this season. Starter Cristian Javier threw six scoreless innings – striking out seven – for the win, and Ryan Pressly picked up his 32nd save. Jake Meyers went 2 for 3 with one run in the win. Yandy Diaz was 1 for 1 with one RBI for the Rays (86-72).
ON THE MOUND
Corey Kluber (10-9, 4.30 ERA) is set to get the start for Tampa Bay. The right-hander allowed three runs over four innings in his last start, a 6-5 home win over the Guardians on Tuesday. He gave up eight hits while striking out five and walking one in the no-decision. Kluber has made one previous start against the Astros this season, a 5-2 home loss on September 21. He surrendered one run on six hits over seven innings, striking out two and walking one. Right-hander Luis Garcia (14-8, 3.90 ERA) will toe the rubber for Houston. He has made one prior start against the Rays this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over five innings in a 4-0 road win on September 19. He gave up two hits and walked four, while striking out four in the win.In his last start on Tuesday, Garcia got the win at home against the Diamondbacks. He threw six innings and gave up one run on four hits, striking out six, in the 10-2 victory. The RHP is tied for fifth in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Tampa Bay has averaged 3.2 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.2. Against right-handed pitchers like Garcia this season, the Rays have a .679 OPS. Diaz is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .804 OPS in 345 at-bats. Houston is averaging only 4.6 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average. The ‘Stros have a .727 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .890 OPS over 352 at-bats, Alex Bregman has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Tampa Bay is 35-42 in away games in 2022, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.1 runs. Houston has gone 52-25 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.2. In the last 10 games between the teams at Minute Maid Park, Houston is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 4.3-3.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rays are third in the AL East, 11 games behind the division-leading Yankees. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting third with a magic number of zero. The Astros lead the AL West by 15 games over the Mariners.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros (-165)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
