Rays vs. Astros Prediction
The Tampa Bay Rays and the host Houston Astros will play Game 1 of what has the potential to be an outstanding ALDS this afternoon. Wlil Houston take the series opener as the home favorites?
Game Snapshot
925 Tampa Bay Rays at 926 Houston Astros
Friday, October 4, 2019
Minute Maid Field at 2:05PM ET
TV: FS1
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Astros are a -215 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Rays are a +195 underdog, while the total is set at 7.5 runs. As of Friday morning, 80 percent of public bets are pouring in on host Houston. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest updates.
Rays turn to Glasnow
Tampa Bay will start Tyler Glasnow this afternoon in Game 1 of the ALDS today after returning from a four-month injury absence in September to complete to regular season with a 6-1 record, 1.78 ERA and 0.89 WHIP plus 76 strikeouts over 60 2/3 innings pitched. The Rays rolled past host Oakland by a score of 5-1 in the AL Wild Card Game Tuesday night to advance to the ALDS. Yandy Diaz returned from the IL to go 3-for-4 from the leadoff spot with two solo home runs to lead the way. Tommy Pham was 2-for-4 with a solo homer. Avisail Garcia finished 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Charlie Morton recorded the win as he allowed one unearned run on five hits with four strikeouts and three walks over five innings of work.
Verlander takes the hill
Houston finished an MLB-best 107-55 during the regular season including 60-21 at home. The Astros will go with Justin Verlander in Game 1 today after he went 21-6 with a 2.58 ERA and 0.80 WHIP plus 300 strikeouts over 223 innings pitched this year. Closer Roberto Osuna anchors the bullpen after posting a 2.63 ERA and 0.88 WHIP plus 73 strikeouts over 65 innings. Rookie Yordan Alvarez helped lead the Astros offensively after recording a slash line of .313/.412/1.067 in 313 at-bats. Alex Bregman (.296/.423/1.015), George Springer (.292/.383/.974), Carlos Correa (.279/.358/.926), Jose Altuve (.298/.353/.903), Yuli Gurriel (.298/.343/.884) and Michael Brantley (.311/.372/.875) also contribute heavily.
MLB Betting Trends
Tampa Bay
The Rays are 4-0 in their last four series openers. Tampa Bay is 6-0 in the last six Glasnow starts.
Houston
The Astros are 4-0 in their last four ALDS games. Houston is 50-20 in its last 70 Friday games.
Prediction:
With the pitching matchups in store, this has a chance to be the best of the division series matchups. But I can’t turn away from Verlander at home in Game 1. He’s had a lengthy playoff history and is always ready for the moment. Glasnow is almost unhittable when he is on, but he won’t be working as deep into the game. Take the power-packed Astros in the series opener.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON ASTROS -215