The Chicago White Sox (1-0) take on the Houston Astros (0-1) Friday in the 2nd game of a 4-game season-opening series at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is at 8:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: White Sox lead 1-0
The White Sox defeated the Astros 3-2 on Thursday with RHP Dylan Cease allowing only 1 ER while fanning 10 in 6 1/3 IP. RHP Reynaldo Lopez got the save as Chicago looks to replace closer Liam Hendriks, who is undergoing cancer treatment.
The World Series champions got a solid outing from LHP Framber Valdez on Thursday with 4 K and 0 ER in 5 IP while OF Yordan Alvarez homered in the 9th inning.
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White Sox at Astros projected starters
RHP Lance Lynn vs. RHP Cristian Javier
Lynn was 8-7 in 21 starts in 2022 with a 3.99 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 1.4 BB/9, and 9.2 K/9 in 121 2/3 IP.
- Recorded at least 6 IP in 13 of his 21 starts last year
- His 3.99 ERA last season was his highest since 2018
Javier was 11-9 in 25 starts last season with a 2.54 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9, and 11.7 K/9 in 148 2/3 IP.
- Tallied 6-plus K’s in his final 6 starts of 2022
- Tied for 8th in ERA and had the 3rd-best K/9 among starting pitchers despite lacking IP to qualify for the league leaders
White Sox at Astros odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:07 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): White Sox +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Astros -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): White Sox +1.5 (-160) | Astros -1.5 (+140)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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White Sox at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 4, White Sox 2
Moneyline
AVOID.
Unless you believe the White Sox can start the season 2-0 over the Astros, then I wouldn’t wager on the moneyline in this game. I’d be comfortable taking Houston’s moneyline at -140 odds or better.
Run line/Against the spread
ASTROS -1.5 (+130)
Houston is looking to avoid starting the season with 2 straight losses and while they certainly miss 2B Jose Altuve at the front of their lineup, they still possess a dangerous group of hitters.
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Over/Under
BET UNDER 7.5 (-105).
Lynn is poised to bounce back in 2023 and Javier is someone I believe is capable of winning the AL Cy Young award this season. There have been under 8 runs scored in 6 of the last 7 meetings between these teams.
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