MLB : Best of the Best Collide in Astros-Yankees Tilt

The Houston Astros (21-11, +6.05 betting units) were expected to do big things this season, and the New York Yankees (20-9, +10.06 units) were supposed to be a year or two away from contending. But it’s the Yankees who lead the American League at press time, and they can build on their momentum when they welcome Houston to the Bronx for a four-game series, starting Thursday at 7:05 PM ET on YES and the MLB Network.

This should be a tremendous pitching duel between Houston’s Dallas Keuchel (3.72 FIP) and New York’s Michael Pineda (3.66 FIP). The Astros have won six of Keuchel’s seven starts for 4.09 units in profit, supporting their former Cy Young winner with 5.14 runs per game. Pineda’s work for the Yankees hasn’t gone unrewarded, either – they’re 5-1 (+3.94 units) in his six starts, providing 7.33 runs per game and driving the over to a 4-2 record.

One small problem for the Astros: OF Marwin Gonzalez (1.067 OPS) was struck on the left foot by a pitch on Saturday and had to skip Sunday’s 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels (+103 at home). Gonzalez already has nine home runs this year; his career high is 13.

MLB Odds: Astros-Yankees Fight for First in AL

It’s been an outstanding start to the 2017 season for both the New York Yankees (20-9, +10.06 betting units) and the Houston Astros (21-11, +6.05 units). They’ll play a four-game series at New Yankee Stadium beginning this Thursday. YES and the MLB Network have the coverage starting at 7:05 PM ET.

Expect a low-scoring game with Michael Pineda (3.66 FIP) taking the mound for New York and Dallas Keuchel (3.72 FIP) responding for Houston. They’ve led their teams to a combined 11-2 record and 8.03 units in profit, but only one can win when they meet Thursday in the Bronx.