MLB Odds: Astros, A’s in All-AL West Affair

The Houston Astros (41-25, plus-0.78 betting units) are off to a flying start in their first-ever World Series defense. But the Astros find themselves in a dogfight for the AL West division, where four of the five teams have winning records as we near the halfway point of the regular season. That includes the Oakland Athletics (33-32, plus-1.39 units), who welcome Houston to the Coliseum for a three-game set wrapping up this Thursday afternoon; first pitch is 3:35 PM ET on the MLB Network.


Postseason hero Justin Verlander (1.45 ERA) is pitching the best baseball of his 14-year career, and he’s pencilled in to start Thursday’s finale. But heavy expectations have Verlander 2.30 units in the red on a team record of 9-5. The 2011 AL MVP has received just 3.93 runs per game in support, driving the Under to a 10-4 record. Houston’s average this year is 4.97 runs per game.

First-year starter Frankie Montas (1.25 ERA) is projected to throw for Oakland. The Dominican northpaw has pitched very well since getting called up from AAA-Nashville, winning all three of his starts for 3.10 units in profit while allowing just three earned runs in 21.2 innings of work.

MLB Odds: A’s a Tough Out Versus Astros

The Houston Astros (41-25, plus-0.78 betting units) continue their World Series defense this week with a three-game road series versus the Oakland Athletics (33-32, plus-1.39 units). Thursday’s finale begins at 3:35 PM ET on the MLB Network.


Justin Verlander (1.45 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for the Astros opposite rookie northpaw Frankie Montas (1.25 ERA), who has won all three of his starts for Oakland since getting the call from AAA-Nashville. Houston is 9-5 behind Verlander thus far for a deficit of 2.30 units; they’ve given him just 3.93 runs per game in support, down from 4.97 runs overall.