Houston Astros vs Minnesota Twins Analysis<\/h2>\n
The Houston Astros host the Minnesota Twins in the second of a three game set. Houston took game one last night 4-2 behind 6.0 shutout innings from Justin Verlander. Tonight it’ll be Dylan Bundy for the Twins going against Framber Valdez for the Astros. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 PM EDT in Minute Maid Park.<\/p>\n
The ‘Stros have the best record in the American League at 79-45, while the Twins are 4.0 games behind the Rays at 63-59 for the final AL wild card spot.<\/p>\n
Bundy Has Been…Okay For Twins<\/h3>\n
There’s not a lot to say about Dylan Bundy, except that he’s a hard-throwing, serviceable major league pitcher. The eight-year veteran has a 4.60 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP, plus a 7-5 record in 21 starts and 103.2 innings.<\/p>\n
Bundy isn’t an innings eater as he averages about 5.0 frames per outing, but has pitched well over his last three starts. He’s allowed a combined nine hits and three earned runs in 14.1 innings.<\/p>\n
As a team, the Twins are 10th in OPS, 18th in staff ERA and 16th in bullpen ERA. They can also hit for power as they’re 11th in home runs.<\/p>\n
Astros Angling For World Series Appearance<\/h3>\n\nSouthpaw Framber Valdez has been Houston’s ace this year, and out up excellent numbers. In 23 starts he’s posted a 12-4 record, 2.72 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP. He’s struck out 135 in 149 innings, and allowed 52 walks (about 3 per nine innings) and just seven home runs year-to-date.<\/p>\n
He’s in good current form, with a 3-0 record in August, a 2.21 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. His stat line is pretty solid across the board.<\/p>\n
As a team, the Astros don’t have any real weaknesses. They’re 6th in team OPS, 2nd in staff and bullpen ERA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Houston Astros vs Minnesota Twins Prediction<\/h2>\n\nHouston is also 7th in OPS against right-handed pitchers. This looks to be a favorable matchup against a below-average righty in Dylan Bundy.<\/p>\n
Houston has a big edge in starting pitching with Valdez, and a better team across the board. Bundy has been in good form lately, but he steps up in class against one of the best teams in baseball.<\/p>\n
Although the Twins are a playoff contender, I think the Astros will have enough early offense to get a lead over the Twins. That’s why I’ll take the Astros on the 1st 5 innings run line.<\/p>\n
Prediction: Houston Astros 1st 5 Innings Run Line (-0.5)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
First Pitch | MLB Predictions for Wednesday, August 24<\/h3>\n
Join Drew Martin and a rotating panel of guests for First Pitch as we break down the daily baseball slate from a betting perspective. Join WagerTalk’s team of MLB betting experts every weekday at 1:45pm ET \/ 10:45am PT for First Pitch as we discuss the baseball betting slate.<\/p>\n
![\"MLB](\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/P4dGvwfby_M\/maxresdefault.jpg\")
Southpaw Framber Valdez has been Houston’s ace this year, and out up excellent numbers. In 23 starts he’s posted a 12-4 record, 2.72 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP. He’s struck out 135 in 149 innings, and allowed 52 walks (about 3 per nine innings) and just seven home runs year-to-date.<\/p>\n
He’s in good current form, with a 3-0 record in August, a 2.21 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. His stat line is pretty solid across the board.<\/p>\n
As a team, the Astros don’t have any real weaknesses. They’re 6th in team OPS, 2nd in staff and bullpen ERA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Houston Astros vs Minnesota Twins Prediction<\/h2>\n\nHouston is also 7th in OPS against right-handed pitchers. This looks to be a favorable matchup against a below-average righty in Dylan Bundy.<\/p>\n
Houston has a big edge in starting pitching with Valdez, and a better team across the board. Bundy has been in good form lately, but he steps up in class against one of the best teams in baseball.<\/p>\n
Although the Twins are a playoff contender, I think the Astros will have enough early offense to get a lead over the Twins. That’s why I’ll take the Astros on the 1st 5 innings run line.<\/p>\n
Prediction: Houston Astros 1st 5 Innings Run Line (-0.5)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
First Pitch | MLB Predictions for Wednesday, August 24<\/h3>\n
Join Drew Martin and a rotating panel of guests for First Pitch as we break down the daily baseball slate from a betting perspective. Join WagerTalk’s team of MLB betting experts every weekday at 1:45pm ET \/ 10:45am PT for First Pitch as we discuss the baseball betting slate.<\/p>\n
Houston is also 7th in OPS against right-handed pitchers. This looks to be a favorable matchup against a below-average righty in Dylan Bundy.<\/p>\n
Houston has a big edge in starting pitching with Valdez, and a better team across the board. Bundy has been in good form lately, but he steps up in class against one of the best teams in baseball.<\/p>\n
Although the Twins are a playoff contender, I think the Astros will have enough early offense to get a lead over the Twins. That’s why I’ll take the Astros on the 1st 5 innings run line.<\/p>\n
Prediction: Houston Astros 1st 5 Innings Run Line (-0.5)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Join Drew Martin and a rotating panel of guests for First Pitch as we break down the daily baseball slate from a betting perspective. Join WagerTalk’s team of MLB betting experts every weekday at 1:45pm ET \/ 10:45am PT for First Pitch as we discuss the baseball betting slate.<\/p>\nFirst Pitch | MLB Predictions for Wednesday, August 24<\/h3>\n