Los Angeles Angels (18-29) vs. Houston Astros (21-26)
In this mid-week showdown, the Los Angeles Angels, struggling with a 18-29 record, visit the Houston Astros who have fared slightly better at 21-26 this season. Scheduled for a 2:10 PM ET start on May 22, 2024, at Minute Maid Park, this game promises to capture the attention of MLB picks and prediction enthusiasts looking for an exciting matchup. Both teams are underperforming this season, but recent forms show signs of promise and potential for an exciting game.
The Angels have not enjoyed success so much in the beginning of the season but have been fighting back in the last few outings. They have averaged .244 at the plate and slugged .397 which has been a moderate production offensively. The batters have made 52 home runs and 199 runs in total. Their ERA is at 4.63 though, a little above; however away, they have 15-9 against the spread. The Angels will have to leverage on their strength of covering spreads in opponents’ arenas if they are to overcome their challenges and begin climbing up the ranks.
The Astros on the other hand have a batting average of .262 and a slugging percentage of .414 and thus a healthier and better offense when compared to the Angels. They have both combined for 207 runs and 53 home runs. Their pitching like the Angels has been an issue with an ERA of 4.56. WHIP for the team is 1.4 this shows that sometimes the team finds it hard not to have runners on base. But they are stronger in the last couple of games compared to before, indicating some sort of recovery. The Houston Astros will be interested in making in-home numbers better where their record against the spread is lower.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 2:10 PM ET |
| Where: | Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas |
| TV: | MLBN |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Tyler Anderson (4-4, 2.72 ERA) vs. Hunter Brown (1-4, 7.71 ERA)
Tyler Anderson of the Angels has been one of the positive outcomes of Angels’ batting this season. For the season, he has a 2.72 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP in 56.1 innings, which demonstrates his ability to get through games and get outcomes where his team is still in the game. The strikeout to walk rate is a positive sign and while he has allowed 7 home runs in 105 innings his command and composure will be key against the Astros.
Across the diamond, Hunter Brown has been struggling this year for the Astros franchise. His earned run average of 7.71 and 1.93 WHIP in 37.1 innings lot the total picture of his inconsistency and inability to command the mound. Brown has given away 51 hits and 8 home runs in a season meaning that he pitches the ball in areas where it can be easily hit in the field. His performance will go a long way in establishing whether the Astros will be able to hold the Angels at home.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds have not been set, it’s important for bettors to keep an eye on updates as the game approaches. Factors such as player injuries and lineup changes could significantly impact the odds.
Los Angeles Angels Betting Trends
The Angels are proven to cover spreads away from home and this is likely to affect the betting choices for this game. Looking at the totals in their last 5 games, they have gone OVER in 4 of those games and, as such, the over might be a bettors’ pick for the total runs in this game.
Houston Astros Betting Trends
Although overall at home they are the weaker team against the spread, the Astros seem to be recovering lately in their games. Accordingly, betting trends might still favor the Angels on season-long performance measures but cannot overlook the Astros’ recent form.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros 5/22/24 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ recent performances and statistical outputs, this game could be closer than their records suggest. The key will be the starting pitchers, with Anderson likely giving the Angels an edge due to his superior season stats.
For bettors and fans checking in from top online casinos or sportsbooks, considering the over on total runs might be a prudent choice given both teams’ tendency to have games with high scoring totals. The Angels, with Anderson on the mound, might also be a good pick to cover the spread, assuming it remains consistent with their road performance this season.
