Houston Astros (83-64) vs. Kansas City Royals (46-101)
As the 2023 MLB regular season playoffs near their conclusion, their respective destinies will come into full view this evening. Houston Astros with an 83-64 record, look to advance their postseason prospects by taking on Kansas City Royals (46-101) who currently lack postseason success. MLB fans should find plenty of interesting MLB betting picks.
Houston Astros are having an outstanding season, comfortably remaining above .500 with a legitimate chance of making the playoffs. Their impressive batting average of .260 was helped along by hitting 201 homers and 758 runs scored this season; both on-base percentage (.332) and slugging percentage (.435) indicate an effective offensive unit. Their pitching staff boasts a respectable 3.97 ERA that has limited opponents to an batting average of just.243 for an offensively and defensively balanced threat both offensively and defensively.
On the flipside, the Kansas City Royals have had an inauspicious year, posting an embarrassing 46-101 record and being effectively eliminated from playoff contention. Their batting average stands at just .242, scoring 601 runs this year while opponents are hitting at an alarming rate against them (.264 average). Their stats all around make them considerably inferior to those of the Astros and make them the underdog in this matchup.
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals Game Info
| When: | Friday, September 15, 2023 at 8:10 PM ET |
| Where: | Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream | MLB.TV |
Cristian Javier (9-3, 4.78 ERA) vs. Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.47 ERA)
Cristian Javier takes the mound for the Houston Astros with a winning record of 9-3. Although his ERA of 4.78 might raise some eyebrows, it’s important to dig a bit deeper into what this actually means for tonight’s game. Javier has proven himself capable of maintaining control during key moments, as evidenced by his WHIP of 1.29. His 141.1 innings pitched so far show that he has the stamina to stay in the game, and his 132 strikeouts against 54 walks suggest that he has the skill to put away batters when it counts. The 23 home runs allowed this season could be a concern, but it’s worth noting that he has managed to secure wins despite this shortcoming, indicating solid run support from the Astros’ lineup.
Veteran Zack Greinke stands in stark contrast to Javier. While both pitchers share a WHIP of 1.29, suggesting a similar level of control, the similarities largely end there. Greinke’s record of 1-15 and high ERA of 5.47 point to a season that has been full of struggles. With just 84 strikeouts in 126.2 innings pitched, Greinke has had difficulty getting batters out, which is compounded by his 25 home runs allowed. His lower strikeout rate indicates that he may be missing that put-away pitch, something that could be crucial in a game against a hard-hitting team like the Astros.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Houston Astros -213, Total Odds: 9.5
The betting odds for this game are heavily in favor of the Houston Astros. The Astros have a Spread of -1.5 at -127 and a Moneyline of -213. On the other hand, the Royals offer a Spread of +1.5 at +103 and a Moneyline of +178. The Total for the game is set at 9.5, with the Over at -114 and the Under at -114 as well.
Houston Astros Betting Trends
Houston has been a safe bet in recent games. The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston’s last 9 games and they are 6-3 SU in their last 9 outings. Even more compelling is their record against Kansas City; they are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against the Royals. When it comes to road games, Houston is 8-0 SU in their last 8 away from home and 10-4 SU when playing on the road against Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals Betting Trends
Kansas City’s recent performance does not inspire much confidence for bettors. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games, and they are 5-13 SU in their last 18 games. Even their home record is poor, with a 3-9 SU record in their last 12 games at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. Their record against Houston is just as disappointing, with 4-10 SU in their last 14 home games against the Astros.
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals 9/15/23 Betting Picks
Considering the recent trends, team stats, and starting pitcher performance, this game seems tilted in favor of the Houston Astros. For those scouting the best live betting sites, placing your bets on the Astros to cover the -1.5 spread seems to be the safe option here. Don’t miss out on this showdown, as it offers some excellent opportunities for keen bettors.
Free Pick and Prediction: Houston Astros will win 7-3
