The Houston Astros (62-47) and New York Yankees (56-52) begin a 4-game series in the Big Apple on Thursday. First pitch at Yankee Stadium is slated for 7:15 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Yankees and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting of 2023; Astros won 5 of 7 in 2022
The Astros completed a 3-game sweep of the Cleveland Guardians with a 3-2 victory Wednesday. They allowed just 5 total runs over the series. Houston is 6-7 against the AL East this season.
The Yankees avoided being swept in a 3-game series with a 7-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday. They are 1-2 to start a 7-game homestand and have lost back-to-back series. New York has struggled to score runs in Yankee Stadium despite being 33-26 at home this season, producing just 4.17 per game — the 10th-worst mark in the league.
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Astros at Yankees projected starters
RHP Cristian Javier vs. RHP Clarke Schmidt
Javier (7-2, 4.33 ERA) will make his 21st start. He has a 1.19 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 8.6 K/9 in 108 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 9 K in 4-3 home loss vs. Tampa Bay Rays Friday
- Has not earned a win since June 3 although Houston is 4-4 along that span
- 2023 away splits: 3-1, 5.25 ERA (60 IP, 35 ER), .228 OBA in 11 starts
Schmidt (7-6, 4.39 ERA) will make his 22nd start and 23rd appearance. He has a 1.32 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 8.5 K/9 in 104 2/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 5 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K in 8-3 victory at the Baltimore Orioles Saturday
- Has never started against the Astros
- 2023 home splits: 3-5, 4.01 ERA (60 2/3 IP, 27 ER), .261 OBA in 13 appearances
Astros at Yankees odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:27 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Astros -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Yankees -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+150) | Yankees +1.5 (-185)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Astros at Yankees picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 4, Yankees 3
Moneyline
BET ASTROS (-110).
You know a game is too close to call when the money line odds are the exact same. I won’t put a full unit down on this but I believe the Astros win Thursday. Houston is playing good baseball while the Yankees’ playoff chances are dwindling away.
Run line/Against the spread
AVOID.
This game is way too tight to even think about betting the run line.
The Yankees +1.5 (-185) would be a tempting option but I’m not going to put nearly double my return on it because it’s far from a sure thing.
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Over/Under
BET UNDER 9 (-110).
Both of these pitchers have not allowed more than 3 earned runs in any of their last 3 starts.
Javier has only allowed 1 earned run against the Yankees in his 12 regular season innings pitched. Schmidt has allowed a total of 11 earned runs in his last 33 innings pitched at home this season. I think we see a pitching duel on Thursday evening.
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