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 Saturday, July 9th, 2022 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA. 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.
2022 MLB Handicapping
(55-28) Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics (28-57)
Date: Saturday, July 9th, 2022
Time: 4:07 PM ET
Venue: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Projected Pitchers: Framber Valdez (HOU) vs. Zach Logue (OAK)
MLB Moneyline Odds: Astros -340 / Athletics +265
MLB run line Betting Odds: Astros -1.5 (-180) / Athletics +1.5 (+160)
MLB Baseball Gambling Total: O/U: 8.5
The Astros and Athletics will be squaring off for the second game of their series on Saturday afternoon.
Houston is a large favorite on the road in this one, as they should be. There has not been a ton of movement from the opening total of 8.5.
Framber Valdez and Zach Logue are the opposing hurlers in this one.
Houston Astros
The Astros continue to impress folks with their high level of play and they remain one of the best teams in the sport.
In the American League, it is still very clear that the Yankees are the standard, but this team is not far behind them and when they are on their game, they are just as dangerous.
This crew has been steady all season long, but there is no question they have really picked things up as the season has gone on. After being a little flat out of the gate, they really have not missed a beat.
Right now, Houston is a team that is talented and they are also very confident. They know how good they are and do not fear any opponent they have to take on.
Once again, they have total control over the AL West and will win the division easily. People can talk about other teams in that division being competition to the Stros, but until I see it, I do not believe it.
After winning their last series with the Royals, this series is another good opportunity for Houston to play well and they did not waste any time on Friday with the 8-3 win. Against a team like that, they did just what they needed to do.
In their last victory, Jose Urquidy went 8 innings while allowing 3 earned runs. This guy keeps on putting forth quality starts no matter who he faces and there is no question he has been a big contributor all season long.
Next up in the rotation is Framber Valdez and he has looked like the guy we know he can look like. He is currently 8-3 with an ERA of 2.67 and has a very good chance to improve both of those along with other stats in this game here.
Oakland Athletics
For impressive as the Astros have been, the A’s have been equally unimpressive during this season.
Nobody thought these guys would be any good this season and they have not. It really would have taken a miracle for them to even be slightly competitive.
I have said it before and so have other people, but it is worth repeating until there is a change. This is a team that is so devoid of legit MLB talent that they simply do not have the ability to win at a consistent rate with the people they put out there on a nightly basis.
In fact, they have so many nobody’s on the field, that I actually think they are a minor league team. Some would say that is an exaggeration, but if you see this roster and feel it is MLB-worthy, then you are not being honest.
Every part of this organization has to get better if they want to remotely get back their days of at least being in the mix. If not, expect more of the same from Oakland.
The A’s better hope a lot of their prospects can turn out to be big-time players because that is about their only hope. We know they are not a big market team, so opening the wallet to bring in top-end players is likely not going to happen.
The rest of this series with the Astros is going to be a big test for them and if it goes how most think, they are not going to have many answers.
Zach Logue will be starting here like a lot of their pitchers, he has not been impressive. If he is not careful, he could really get exposed by what is a potent and experienced lineup.
MLB Baseball Betting Trends:
- The Astros are 5-0 in their last 5 during game 2 of a series.
- The Astros are 20-6 in their last 26 vs. the AL West.
- The Athletics are 16-35 in their last 51 games following a loss.
- The Athletics are 3-9 in their last 12 Saturday games.
Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics MLB Prediction:
The Astros have been rolling and I do not see that coming to end on Saturday afternoon.
For me, this is a spot where I do not think there is going to be a shortage of offense, even if it is pretty one-sided.
The numbers don’t lie. Logue has been shaky at best and the same can be said of the bullpen. Houston will look to get to the starter and then do even more damage against those relievers.
Give me the over in this spot.
4* Free MLB Betting Pick: Over 8.5
If you’re looking for more MLB picks like Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics matchup, we’ll be providing 4* free MLB plays on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free MLB Baseball picks!
Register here for a FREE MLB Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!