The Houston Astros (5-4) head to the desert on Tuesday night, where they will kick off a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks (3-7). First pitch is set for 9:10 p.m. ET time at Chase Field. We analyze the Astros-Diamondbacks betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.
Astros at Diamondbacks: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Cristian Javier vs. LHP Madison Bumgarner
Javier made his first major league start last week. He tossed 5 2/3 innings against the Dodgers, allowing just a lone earned run while whiffing eight batters.
- He pitched 113 2/3 innings across three levels of the minors in 2019. In total, he posted a 1.74 ERA with 170 strikeouts (13.5 K/9).
- Javier does have a history of high walk rates, including a 4.7 BB/9 last season. So far, he has walked just one batter in 6 2/3 innings at the big league level.
Bumgarner will be making his first home start as a member of the Diamondbacks. In two road starts this season, he has pitched a total of 11 innings, while allowing five earned runs, and striking out nine batters.
- Bumgarner has had success in his career at Chase Field. In 20 appearances there (19 starts), he has a 3.13 ERA, with an 8.2 K/9.
- One area of concern is that Bumgarner’s fastball velocity is down about 3.5 MPH from last year’s mark.
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Astros at Diamondbacks: Key injuries
List of key injuries from around the league
Astros
- DH Yordan Alvarez (knee) out
- SS Aledmys Diaz (groin) out
- SP Justin Verlander (forearm) out
- RP Roberto Osuna (elbow) out
Diamondbacks
- SP Corbin Martin (elbow) out
- RP Silvino Bracho (elbow) out
Astros at Diamondbacks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:25 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Astros 7, Diamondbacks 4
Moneyline (ML)
- Astros -134
- Diamondbacks +120
If Bumgarner’s velocity doesn’t recover, he’s going to get roughed up soon, and the powerful Houston offense could be the one to do it. They enter the day second in the league in runs per game and should have another good day today.
Meanwhile, the Arizona offense has been very quiet in the early going, with just 27 runs scored through 10 games. Take the ASTROS -134 in this one.
New to sports betting? A $13.40 bet on the Astros at -134 would net a profit of $10.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
- Astros -1 (-115)
- Diamondbacks +1 (-106)
We’ll trust the Houston offense to come through, and win by multiple runs, so side with the ASTROS.
Over/Under (O/U)
- Over 9.5 (-110)
- Under 9.5 (-110)
Javier was impressive in his first start, but he won’t be that dominant every time out, and he has a long history of control issues. The Diamondbacks probably won’t get completely shut down, and the Houston offense could be in for a big night. OVER 9.5 (-110) looks like the play here.
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