MLB Odds, Picks, Predictions: Blue Jays vs. Astros Betting Preview (April 23)
Elsa/Getty Images. Pictured: Alek Manoah
- The Blue Jays are favored in this afternoon's matchup with the Astros in Houston.
- Toronto sends Alek Manoah to the mound, while Houston counters with Jose Urquidy.
- Continue reading for a full breakdown of the matchup, including a betting pick.
Blue Jays vs. Astros Odds
| Blue Jays Odds | -125 |
| Astros Odds | +105 |
| Over/Under | 8 |
| Time | 4:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB.TV |
| Odds via Caesars. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here. | |
The Blue Jays without George Springer, Teoscar Hernández and Hyun-Jin Ryu defied the odds Friday night to beat the Astros in Houston 4-3 when the Astros had all-time great Justin Verlander on the mound.
The series continues to be interesting as the Blue Jays could have Springer back in the lineup, but they definitely will have stud young pitcher Alek Manoah on the mound Saturday.
The sportsbooks have responded by making the Blue Jays the favorites at -125 for this one.
Blue Jays Hope To Have Springer Back
As noted in the opening, Springer's availability will be something to watch in the lead-up to this game.
His presence in the leadoff spot would go a long for Toronto as he had a .299 ISO against right-handed pitchers last year and Houston's starter Jose Urquidy allowed a .255 ISO to right-handed batters last year.
No matter what, Urquidy will have to deal with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had a .305 ISO against right-handed pitchers last year.
Manoah has helped set the tone for the Blue Jays' strong start to the season as he's 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 12 innings after his first two starts.
Astros Will Struggle To Hit Manoah
The Astros' lineup will once again be without Jose Altuve as he's on the injured list with a hamstring strain.
Houston's lineup might be in trouble without its star as Manoah doesn't allow much power to any hitters. Last year, he had a .071 ISO allowed to right-handed hitters and a .133 ISO allowed to left-handed hitters.
The Astros' best hope is that they can get an extra-base hit with some traffic on the bases as Manoah sometimes struggles with command (9% BB% last year).
The Blue Jays' lineup being mostly right-handed plays to their advantage not only with the power Urquidy allows to right-handed hitters, but also the Astros' home ballpark is advantageous to right-handed hitters.
Blue Jays-Astros Pick
While the Astros have been the class of the American League for years and might well be again this year when all is said and done, I have to go with the Blue Jays here.
Especially if Springer is back in the lineup, this sets up well for Toronto with Manoah on the mound. I'm backing the Blue Jays at -125.
Pick: Blue Jays -125
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