MLB Odds: Division Leaders Meet in Astros-Red Sox

The Houston Astros (87-53, minus-8.31 betting units) are the defending World Series champions. The Boston Red Sox (97-44, plus-32.72 units) are this year’s favorites at +400 on the MLB futures market, just ahead of Houston at +500. They’ll face each other in this week’s edition of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, beginning at 8 PM ET.

Former AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel (3.46 ERA) will get the start for Houston. Keuchel is down 1.93 units this year on a team record of 17-12; his Astros teammates have provided just 4.48 runs per game in support, a half-run less than their usual average. Three of Keuchel’s last five quality starts resulted in a “No Decision,” although Houston managed to win twice.

Rick Porcello (4.20 ERA) takes the mound for Boston, as he tries to add to his impressive 6.29 betting units and 16-7 record. Run support (5.88 per game) hasn’t been a problem for Porcello, driving the Over to a 16-11-2 record in his 29 starts thus far, including 7-3 at Fenway Park. However, current Astros have a combined .836 OPS off Porcello; OF George Springer is 4-for-9 with a home run and two doubles.

MLB Odds: Astros-Red Sox at Fenway Park

In a potential American League playoff preview, the Boston Red Sox (97-44, plus-32.72 betting units) will host the defending champion Houston Astros (87-53, minus-8.31 units) on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. First pitch is at 8 PM ET.


Rick Porcello (4.20 ERA) is due to start for Boston opposite Dallas Keuchel (3.46 ERA). While Keuchel has been the better pitcher this year, he’s 1.93 units in the red on a team record of 17-12, while Porcello has Boston at 19-10 for a profit of 6.29 units – thanks in large part to 5.88 runs per game in support.