The Houston Astros are set to face off against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday evening at Angel Stadium. The game is slated to begin at 6:38 p.m. ET in Anaheim, California.
The Astros enter the game as -165 moneyline favorites, with the total runs expected to be 8.5.
Houston (78-68 SU, 74-72 RL, and 60-81-5 O/U) will send right-hander Justin Verlander to the mound. The seasoned 41-year-old has a record of 3-6, accompanied by a 5.30 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP across 14 appearances (74.2 IP) this season.
On the other side, Los Angeles (60-86 SU, 75-71 RL, and 69-71-6 O/U) will feature left-hander Tyler Anderson. The 34-year-old has a record of 10-12, with a 3.50 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in his 28 starts (167.1 IP).
Injury Updates
For the Astros, 2B Jose Altuve is listed as probable due to rib issues, while CF Chance McCormick is sidelined with a hand injury.
The Angels have 2B Brandon Drury as questionable with a finger injury, and 3B Anthony Rendon is out with a back injury.
*This article was written before the conclusion of Friday’s match.
Verlander’s Struggles Since IL Return
Houston currently leads the AL West by 4.5 games. The Astros have shown resilience with a record of 28-22 straight-up in the second half of the season, allowing them to surpass Seattle in the division standings. The upcoming postseason poses intriguing possibilities for them.
Despite their strength, the Astros rank 23rd in on-base percentage (.321) and 9th in on-base plus slugging (.739), with 171 home runs placing them 11th overall. Their pitching lineup is impressive, featuring a 3.72 ERA (6th) and a 1.25 WHIP (13th), combined with a stellar opponent batting average of .229 (2nd).
Verlander takes the mound in LA after a tough outing where he allowed eight runs over three innings in a loss to Arizona. He has lost his last four starts since coming off the injured list on August 21. This season, he holds a 3-3 record with a 4.32 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP in nine road starts. Earlier this season, he faced the Angels on June 9, giving up four runs over five innings.
Angels’ Home Performance This Season
The Los Angeles Angels have struggled throughout 2024, with a disappointing record of 41-55 in the first half and 19-31 since the All-Star break. Their last postseason appearance was in 2014, and the team has been seeking a turnaround.
Currently, the Angels rank 27th in on-base percentage (.301) and OPS (.674), along with 152 home runs, placing them at 22nd in the league. The Angels’ pitching staff has a 4.52 ERA (26th) and 1.32 WHIP (24th), with a .241 opponent batting average (17th).
Anderson will be the starting pitcher for the Angels on Saturday. He has a home record of 3-8 this season, with a 4.67 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP in 15 starts. In his most recent outing, he allowed two runs on one hit while striking out seven batters in five innings against Texas. In two matchups against Houston this season, he has given up five runs on 13 hits over 14 innings. Historically, he has faced the Astros nine times, with a 1-3 record and a 6.14 ERA.
Best Bets for Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels
Given the current circumstances, a bet on the Astros run line seems reasonable, especially if Verlander can improve his recent performances.
Verlander’s expected ERA (xERA) is notably lower than his actual ERA, suggesting potential for a rebound against an Angels lineup that may be missing Drury. Historically, the current Angels roster has struggled against Verlander, posting a low batting average and on-base percentage in their previous encounters. Drury has been a key player in those matchups, so his availability is crucial.
On the other hand, Anderson appears to be facing a downturn, with advanced metrics indicating challenges ahead. The Astros have performed well against left-handed pitchers, showcasing a strong batting average and OPS in their past matchups against him. With a solid bullpen backing them, Houston seems to have the upper hand on the mound.
Bet on Houston to cover the 1.5-run line at -101 odds during Saturday’s game in Anaheim!
