Free MLB Picks Today: Los Angeles Dodgers vs Houston Astros 6/24/23

The Los Angeles Dodgers (+105) host the Houston Astros (-125) at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. The early total was set at 9 (O: -110 | U: -110).

The Dodgers (42-33) took Friday’s series opener 3-2. Starter Emmet Sheehan got the win, allowing two runs on three hits over six innings, and Brusdar Graterol earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth.

James Outman went 3 for 4 with two runs in the win. Michael Busch added a double and one RBI. Mauricio Dubon was 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Astros (41-35).

ON THE MOUND

Ronel Blanco (1-0, 4.66 ERA) is slated to start for Houston. The righty allowed five runs over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 9-7 home defeat against the Reds on Sunday. He scattered seven hits while striking out five and walking two in the no-decision.

Right-hander Bobby Miller (3-1, 2.83 ERA) gets the start for Los Angeles. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros. In his last start on June 17, Miller took the loss at home against the Giants. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up seven runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking three in the 15-0 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 4.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.4. Against righties like Miller this season, the ‘Stros have a .702 OPS.

Yordan Alvarez has been the team’s biggest extra-base threat against right-handers with a .565 SLG in 215 at-bats. Los Angeles is averaging only 2.0 runs per game in the last five, down from 5.3 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.222/.272/.315).

The Dodgers have a .766 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the fifth highest in the league. With a .612 slugging percentage over 205 at-bats, J.D. Martinez has been their best power hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Houston is 19-16 away from Minute Maid Park in 2023, scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 3.6 runs. Los Angeles has gone 23-14 at Dodger Stadium this season, averaging 5.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.0.

The teams have split their last 10 meetings at Dodger Stadium, though Houston has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.2-3.1.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Astros are second in the AL West, six games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Dodgers are third in the NL West, three games behind the Diamondbacks.