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 Friday, April 2nd, 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
Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics
Date: Friday, April 12nd, 2020
Time: 9:400 PM ET
Venue: Athletics Park in Oakland, California
Projected Pitchers: Cristian Javier vs. Jesus Luzardo
MLB Moneyline Odds: Astros +124 | Athletics -134
MLB RunLine Betting Odds: OFF
MLB Baseball Gambling Total: 8
This a fun series as we get an early look at which might be the better team. I think the Astros, even after some losses, have the better lineup.
Oakland needs to keep their lineup healthy this season. Injuries to key bats and underperformance by others made their lineup a bit of a joke last year.
Houston Astros
Houston is still a force to be reckoned with in the American League. When it comes to infields it is hard to find a better group than what they have in Alex Bregman, Carlos Correac, Jose Altuve and Yuli Gurriel. The outfield is in the process of being made over with George Springer and Josh Reddick having moved on. That puts pressure on Kyle Tucker to be as good as he was last year for a full season.
The Astros gave a lot of innings to rookie hurlers last year and it didn’t hurt them too much because guys like Cristian Javier proved to be up to the task. Now he has to prove all over again that he can do it for a full season and with a “book” on him. The Houston bullpen does not look as good as it was when they were competing in World Series’ the last few seasons.
Oakland Athletics
Oakland turned things over at shortstop and DH as they have moved on from Marcus Semien and Khris Davis. Both fell hard in 2020 after being consistent performers. Matt Chapman was having a down season before he got hurt and Matt Olson only batted .195 a year ago. If they return to career norms they can carry the offense. They need someone to do so.
Jesus Luzardo had his moments last season. He probably was less dominant than expected but he is a young pitcher so that may come. He was second in the team in innings which is a nice baseline to start from. The bullpen lacks a proven closer after losing Hendricks last season Jake Diekman had a dominant season and will probably get the first shot to replace him. They have some other quality arms they can lean on too.
MLB Baseball Betting Trends:
- Astros are 4-1 in their last 5 during game 2 of a series.
- Astros are 67-30 in their last 97 games vs. a left-handed starter.
- Astros are 49-22 in their last 71 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
- Athletics are 8-3 in their last 11 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
- Athletics are 21-8 in their last 29 Friday games.
- Athletics are 5-2 in their last 7 during game 2 of a series.
Free Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics MLB Prediction:
These are a couple of young starters and it feels like anything could happen with them. With that level of uncertainty, I think you have to go with the team offering better payoff which is Houston. Their offensive players are more established too.
4* Free MLB Betting Pick: Astros ML
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