Tigers vs. Astros Odds, Picks, Predictions: Tarik Skubal Faces Tough Matchup Against Houston (May 5)

Tigers vs. Astros Odds

The Houston Astros are off to a decent start at 14-11 and have an early front-runner for the American League Rookie of the Year Award in Jeremy Pena.

Even with Pena, the Astros' offense has yet to truly click as Houston finds itself 21st in all of baseball in runs scored entering play Thursday.

There's not that many teams behind the Astros in runs, but the Detroit Tigers are one of them as they're 29th in the league in runs scored.

Former Astros manager A.J. Hinch takes his Tigers to Houston here as they start a road trip. Will he get the job done against his old team?

Can Tigers Hit Urquidy?

The Tigers' offense is down toward the bottom of the league and there might not be much reason for optimism against Astros starter Jose Urquidy.

While Urquidy has a 5.95 ERA in four starts this season, he had a 3.62 ERA in 20 starts last season. Since the start of last season, Urquidy allows a .238 ISO to right-handed hitters compared to a .146 ISO against left-handed hitters.

The Tigers don't have a lot of right-handed power besides Javier Baez. He's the only right-handed hitter in their projected lineup with and ISO above .200 against right-handed pitching since the start of last season.

Urquidy shouldn't have much trouble holding down the Tigers here if he can work his way around Baez.

Astros a Tough Matchup For Skubal

The Astros' offense hasn't totally clicked yet this season, but this might be a spot where they get back on track as they get their bread and butter matchup: against a left-handed pitcher at home.

Tigers starter Tarik Skubal has been pretty good this year with a 3.05 ERA after four starts, but he's also yet to give up a home run this season after giving up 35 home runs last year.

The Astros have a lot of hitters that hit left-handed pitchers well, including Alex Bregman, who has a .255 career ISO against left-handed pitching.

Yordan Alvarez (.220), Yuli Gurriel (.208), Kyle Tucker (.264) and Chas McCormick (.202) all have ISOs above .200 against left-handed pitching since the start of last year.

Of course, we also can't forget Pena. Skubal has allowed a .238 ISO to right-handed batters since the start of last year, and the Astros are in position to take advantage here.

Get Your First Deposit Matched Up to $100!

Sign up and deposit up to $100

Your deposit will be fully matched

New users only

Start Playing Now

Tigers-Astros Pick

The Tigers are going to try their best for their manager facing his former team on the road, but Detroit still has a long way to go before it can honestly matchup with Houston.

I like the Astros at -165 or better to win the game on the moneyline.

Pick: Astros -165