Boston Red Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and prediction
The Boston Red Sox (32-20) and Houston Astros (28-24) play the opener of a four-game series at Minute Maid Park Monday with a 4:10 p.m. ET first pitch. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Red Sox vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.
LHP Eduardo Rodriguez is the projected starting pitcher for the Red Sox. He is 5-3 with a 5.06 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, and 2.1 BB/9 over 48 IP through 9 starts.
Rodriguez enters on a three-start losing skid, allowing four or more runs in each of the outings, while yielding 23 hits and five walks over 15 innings. He hasn't had a quality start since April 25.
RHP Jose Urquidy is the projected starting pitcher for the Astros. He is 3-2 with a 3.22 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 6.6 K/9, and 1.8 BB/9 over 44 2/3 IP through 8 starts.
Urquidy didn't last long last time out, exiting after just 3 2/3 innings due to posterior shoulder discomfort against the Los Angeles Angels May 12. He had quality starts in his three previous outings, winning each of the games.
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Red Sox at Astros odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:17 a.m. ET.
- Money line : Red Sox -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Astros -110 ($110 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS : Red Sox -1.5 (+145) | Astros +1.5 (-175)
- Over/Under : 8.5 (Over -115 | Under -105)
Prediction
Astros 6, Red Sox 4
Money line (ML)
The ASTROS (-110) would be the slam-dunk play here with the way Rodriguez has been struggling for the Red Sox. However, Urquidy is coming off the 10-day injured list, so it's uncertain if he'll have any rust or if he will be on a pitch count, so tread lightly.
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The ASTROS +1.5 (-175) are worth a look if you're not feeling Urquidy in his return. If you prefer this bit of insurance, it will cost you, but it's not too pricey. Still, I'd prefer just playing the run line, as poor as E-Rod has been lately.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 8.5 (-115) is the best play on the board here. Rodriguez has coughed up four or more runs in each of his past three outings, and Urquidy is coming off an injury and it's uncertain how he'll respond in his first action in over two weeks. The runs could be plentiful.
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