Free MLB Pick: Astros vs. Athletics Odds
Looking for Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics free MLB predictions? MLB betting sees the Astros taking on the Athletics on Thursday, April 1st, 2021 at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions like this Astros Athletics free pick.
2021 MLB Handicapping
(0-0) Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics (0-0)
Date: Thursday, April 1st, 2020
Time: 10:30 PM ET
Venue: Athletics Park in Oakland, California
Projected Pitchers: Zack Greinke vs Chris Bassitt
MLB Moneyline Odds: Astros -110 | Athletics -110
MLB RunLine Betting Odds: Astros +1.5 (-210), Athletics -1.5 (+175)
MLB Baseball Gambling Total: 8.5
The top two teams from the American League West open their respective season Thursday as the Oakland Athletics play host to the Houston Astros.
The Astros struggled against the A’s during the regular season, but knocked them out of the playoffs in five games to get revenge.
Houston Astros
In a year where the Astros luckily avoided the wrath of opposing fans due to their cheating scandal, the Astros still struggled through the regular season. Houston finished just 29-31 in the regular season but still squeezed out the final wild card spot in the expanded postseason.
From there, the Astros flipped the switch. They managed to earn a trip to the ALCS and nearly came back to win before bowing out to Tampa Bay in seven games.
The Astros offseason was filled with major moves. The team managed to bring back Jake Odorizzi and Michael Brantley, but saw star outfielder George Springer leave town, and the country, to Toronto. With Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez still in the fold, Houston is still a contender.
Zack Grienke is set to make his fifth career Opening Day start. The star right-hander had a disappointing 2020 season, going 3-3 with a 4.03 ERA after posting an 18-5 record and sub-3 ERA the year before. In his career on Opening Day, Grienke is 0-1 with a 8.20 ERA.
Oakland Athletics
Oakland was finally able to catch the Astros in the division, but that success was short-lived. The A’s were bounced by the Astros in the playoffs after defeating the White Sox in the first round.
Oakland will have to bounce back from some tough losses in free agency. The A’s lost impact players both in the field and on the mound, as shortstop Marcus Semien and closer Liam Hendriks departed to other American League teams. Oakland was still able to resign outfielder Khris Davis and also brought in Elvis Andrus as a replacement shortstop.
Chris Bassitt has blossomed into the role of Athletics ace and is one of the best pitchers in baseball. Last season was a career year for the sixth-year veteran, as he posted a 5-2 record with an impressive 2.29 ERA. Bassitt went 1-1 in four starts against the Astros last season, including a one run, seven inning outing in September.
MLB Baseball Betting Trends:
- Athletics are 13-4 in their last 17 home games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
- Athletics are 9-3 in their last 12 games as a home underdog.
- Athletics are 19-7 in their last 26 Thursday games.
- Athletics are 8-3 in their last 11 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
- Athletics are 5-2 in their last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
- Athletics are 50-22 in their last 72 home games.
- Astros are 11-23 in their last 34 road games.
- Astros are 5-12 in their last 17 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
- Astros are 3-8 in their last 11 games as a road favorite.
Free Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics MLB Prediction:
Grienke is notorious for having rough starts on Opening Day, and given how much the Astros have struggled in Oakland (4-9 in their last 13 in Oakland), the A’s should pick up the win to start the year. Bassitt had an excellent Spring Training as well and looks locked in. This season will be yet another test for the Astros after their offense flopped in 2020.
4* Free MLB Betting Pick: Athletics ML, Under 8.5
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