Astros Want to Defend Home Field
The Chicago White Sox have had a really disappointing start to the season but they’ve managed to turn things around lately. They’ve won three straight and enter Friday’s series opener against the Houston Astros with some momentum.
The White Sox just swept the Detroit Tigers in a series where they outscored them 27-6, including a 13-0 romp in their last game.
Meanwhile, those who bet online know that the Houston Astros are coming off two solid wins themselves, both against the Texas Rangers — the most recent being a 9-2 victory.
Let’s check the latest MLB picks, stats, injury reports, and MLB odds for White Sox vs Astros. We’ve plenty of MLB predictions.
White Sox: Getting Back on Track?
The White Sox were favored to win the American League Central to start the season but have been nothing more than a .500 squad. Their recent run of three straight wins might be a signal that they’re turning things around.
Lucas Giolito will be on the mound on Friday and he’ll be tasked with keeping momentum on their side. Giolito owns a 4-2 record and a 3.88 ERA.
One area that he has really shined in is strikeouts. In 53.1 innings pitched, Giolito has fanned 70 to rank among the top 30 in the league.
When Giolito pitches on the road, the results haven’t been great. He’s allowed seven home runs in 29.1 innings with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. The team has lost four of his six road starts.
Keep that in mind if you’re betting the MLB odds. He’ll need to do better here if the White Sox are to keep their hot streak going.
Astros Coasting in AL West
The Astros have won two straight and three of four. To keep this train rolling, they’ll rely on Framber Valdez in the series opener.
Valdez has been reliable for the Astros with a 6-3 record and a stellar 2.64 ERA. That is the 15th-best ERA among all pitchers.
However, there has been a significant drop in performance when he is at home compared to on the road. On the road, he is 4-1 with a 1.61 ERA, which is quite impressive.
Surprisingly, those numbers flatten out to 2-2 at home with a 4.15 ERA. The good news is that Valdez has only allowed three home runs in 75 innings.
It’s clear that the Astros’ home park isn’t quite kind to him. We’ll see if that has an impact here.
White Sox vs Astros Head-to-Head
The White Sox and the Astros haven’t faced off yet this season.
White Sox vs Astros Game Information
- Game: White Sox (30-31) vs Astros (39-24)
- Location: Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
- Day/Time: Friday, 8:10 p.m. ET
- Live stream: MLB.tv
Take a Look at Other 2 Articles for This Week’s White Sox vs Astros Series
- White Sox vs Astros Preview, Odds, Live Stream, Picks & Predictions
- White Sox vs Astros Game Preview, Odds, Live Stream, Picks & Predictions
White Sox vs Astros Betting Lines
| Team | Run line | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Chicago White Sox L. Giolito -R |
+1½ -145 | +140 | 8 -105o | 3½ Evo
3½ -130u |
| Houston Astros F. Valdez -L |
-1½ +125 | -155 | 8 -115u | 4½ -105o
4½ -125u |
White Sox vs Astros Prediction
Chicago absolutely dominated the Tigers while Houston took care of the Rangers. These two coming in with hot streaks makes deciding a winner that much harder.
Looking at the pitchers, the Astros seem to be in a safer spot with Valdez on the mound despite the fact that he’s struggled at home.
Giolito has generally been viewed as a quality pitcher, but if you’re making your MLB picks, it’s tough to ride with him here. The White Sox just haven’t fared well with him on the mound.
That being the case, bet the Astros in this spot.
