Houston Astros at Oakland Athletics odds, picks and predictions

The Houston Astros (52-48) and Oakland Athletics (40-62) play the middle contest of a 3-game set Tuesday. First pitch from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network/ESPN+). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Athletics odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Astros lead 6-2

The Astros lost 4-0 in the series opener Monday, as they were unable to solve LHP Hogan Harris . The Athletics cashed as a moderate underdog (+134) as the Under (9) easily cashed. The shutout loss was the 1st for Houston since June 18 against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

Houston’s offense has scored 4 or fewer runs in 6 in a row, averaging 2.3 runs per game (RPG), with the Under going 5-1 in the span.

The Athletics have scored 4 or more runs in 7 straight games, averaging 8.4 RPG in the span. The Over is on a 5-1 run for the A’s. However, the Under has hit in 3 in a row against the Astros, with these teams combining for just 15 runs in the past 3 meetings.

Astros at Athletics projected starters

RHP Jake Bloss vs. RHP Osvaldo Bido

Bloss (0-0, 4.70 ERA) makes his 3rd start, and 1st career road appearance. He has a 1.57 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 in 7 2/3 IP.

• Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 2 ER, 4 H (1 HR), 1 BB, 4 K in 6-3 home win vs. Miami Marlins July 11
• 2024 road splits: No career road starts
• Has never faced Athletics

Bido (1-1, 3.44 ERA) makes his 2nd start and 8th appearance. He has a 1.25 WHIP, 5.4 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 in 18 1/3 IP.

• Last start: Loss, 2 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K in 12-11 home loss vs. Texas Rangers May 8
• 2024 home splits: 0-1, 5.91 ERA (10 2/3 IP, 7 ER), 1.59 WHIP, .220 OBA, 8 BB, 12 K in 1 start and 4 relief appearance
• Has never faced Astros

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Astros at Athletics odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook ; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:36 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML) : Astros -136 (bet $136 to win $100) | A’s +116 (bet $100 to win $116)
• Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS) : Astros -1.5 (+120) | A’s +1.5 (-144)
• Over/Under (O/U) : 8.5 (O: -124 | U: +102)

Astros at Athletics picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, Athletics 3

Moneyline

The ASTROS (-136) are worth a look as a moderate favorite for the bounce-back game against the Athletics (+116).

Houston was on the short end of a 4-0 score in Monday’s series opener. The Astros have struggled with the bats, averaging just 2.3 runs in the past 6 outings, so go lightly. However, in a game with rather inexperienced pitching, the Astros should be able to piece something together.

Run line/Against the spread

The A’s +1.5 ( -144 ) are worth playing if you’re a little more on the conservative side.

The Athletics have had surprisingly decent pitching lately, allowing 3 or fewer runs in 4 of the past 5 games, and 6 of the previous 9 outings.

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Over/Under

UNDER 8.5 ( +102 ) is worth a look at plus-money.

While the Over has cashed in 5 of the past 6 games for the A’s, the total went low in Monday’s 4-0 win by the A’s, and we’ve had just 15 combined runs in the past 3 meetings, all Under results.

The Under is 5-1 in the past 6 games for the Astros, with Houston’s offense going for just 14 runs in the span. The Astros pitching staff has allowed just 31 runs in the past 11 games, so there isn’t a ton of risk going low on the total. At plus-money, this is a great play.

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