Free MLB Picks Today: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs Houston Astros 5/9/23

Yordan Alvarez will be looking to extend his 29-game on-base streak as the Houston Astros (-180) match up against the Los Angeles Angels (+150) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Tuesday. The early total was set at 7.5 runs (O: -110 | U: -110).

The Angels (20-16) took Monday’s series opener 6-4. Matt Moore got the win with 1.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen, and Carlos Estevez picked up his eighth save with a scoreless ninth.

Taylor Ward went 3 for 4 with a double and two runs in the win. Shohei Ohtani added two doubles and two RBIs. Alex Bregman was 2 for 4 with a triple, one run, and one RBI for the Astros (17-18). David Hensley added a solo home run.

ON THE MOUND

Framber Valdez (2-4, 2.54 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Houston. The LHP allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 4-2 road defeat against the Giants on Wednesday.

He took the loss, scattering five hits while striking out eight and walking two. Valdez is making his first appearance against the Angels this season.

Over four starts against the Angels in 2022, Valdez was 1-1 with a 3.91 ERA over 23 innings. He had 28 strikeouts and 13 walks. Right-hander Ohtani (4-0, 2.54 ERA) is on the mound for Los Angeles. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros.

Ohtani made five appearances against the Astros in 2022, all as the starter, striking out 45 and walking six over 29.2 innings (3-1, 1.21). In his last start on Wednesday, Ohtani took a no-decision on the road against the Cardinals.

He threw five innings and gave up four runs on five hits, striking out 13 and walking one in the 6-4 victory. The righty leads the AL in strikeouts (59) and is tied for fifth in wins.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 3.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.4. Against righties like Ohtani this season, the ‘Stros have a .653 OPS, fifth lowest in the league. Alvarez is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .895 OPS in 65 at-bats.

Los Angeles is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.3 for the season. The Halos have an .812 OPS against left-handers in 2023, third highest in MLB. With a .892 OPS over 32 at-bats, Hunter Renfroe has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Houston is on a three-game losing streak away from Minute Maid Park, bringing their record to 9-7 in 2023. The ‘Stros have scored 4.6 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.7 runs.

Los Angeles has gone 10-7 at home this season, averaging 5.9 runs per game while surrendering 5.9. Houston is 6-4 in the last 10 games at Angel Stadium of Anaheim between the AL West rivals with an average scoreline of 4.5-3.4.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Astros are third in the AL West, four games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Angels are second in the AL West, two games behind the Rangers.