Tigers, Astros kick off key weekend set
Bloodied but unbowed, the Astros have plenty of reasons to begin this weekend’s series on a positive note.
As Houston prepares for tonight’s battle vs. the Tigers, it does so with a dearth of contributors. But while ailing regulars Carlos Gomez and Luis Valbuena are expected to miss the action, oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI won’t dismiss the visiting club. In fact, A.J. Hinch’s troops enter Comerica Park as 1.5-run favorites. Detroit, on the other hand, represents a +122 underdog.
The Stros find themselves right in the thick of the American League West race in spite of a recent rash of injuries. With two-plus months remaining, Houston trails division-leading Texas by three games. Considering that Minute Maid Park’s finest commenced the year with a 7-17 April, the current deficit almost seems immaterial.
Brad Ausmus’ gang isn’t too far off the pace, either, in the AL Central. The Tigers just swept Boston, with Justin Verlander and Michael Fulmer turning in particularly impressive starts. Matt Boyd draws the next assignment on the rubber. He’s been a serviceable fill-in with Jordan Zimmermann and Daniel Norris on the shelf, going 1-2 with a 4.63 ERA in six outings.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
On the Houston side, Hinch gives the increasingly effective Colin McHugh the nod. Since July 3, the righty holds a 2-1 record and 28 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings. He’s liable to inflict the same kind of damage in a few hours, ensuring a low-scoring opener in the Motor City.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: ASTROS/TIGERS UNDER 9 RUNS