ASTROS-MARINERS GAME PREVIEW

Crucial elements in Astros' push to take division with win over Mariners

Astros Framber Valdez, Yainer Diaz
Framber Valdez can help the Astros clinch the division Tuesday night. Composite Getty Image.

The Seattle Mariners (81-76) and Houston Astros (85-72) face off Tuesday night at 8:10 p.m. EDT for the second game of their crucial three-game series. The Mariners currently hold a 1-0 lead in the series after defeating Houston 6-1 on Monday.

Pitching Probables:

  • Mariners: Logan Gilbert (8-11, 3.24 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 207 strikeouts) has been a strong performer for Seattle all season, boasting a WHIP under 1.00. He will look to continue dominating as the Mariners push for playoff contention.
  • Astros: Framber Valdez (14-7, 2.85 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 165 strikeouts) gets the start for Houston. Valdez has been the Astros' ace this season, leading the team with 14 wins and a stellar 2.85 ERA.

Line:

  • BETMGM Sportsbook: Astros -136, Mariners +115, over/under set at 7 runs.

Bottom Line:
The Mariners, 7-4 against the Astros this season, look to build on their Monday win. Seattle has struggled on the road (35-44), but their MLB-leading 3.51 ERA makes them a tough matchup for Houston. Meanwhile, the Astros are 45-34 at home and boast the third-best team batting average in MLB at .262.

Top Performers:

  • Astros: Alex Bregman continues to produce for Houston, with 25 home runs and 73 RBI this season. Kyle Tucker is also in fine form, hitting 13-for-34 with three home runs over the past 10 games.
  • Mariners: Julio Rodríguez remains a key player for Seattle, with 19 home runs and 17 doubles. Luke Raley has also been solid recently, going 9-for-31 with two home runs over the last 10 games.

Recent Form:

  • Astros: 6-4 in their last 10 games, with a .262 team batting average and 4.45 ERA, outscoring opponents by just three runs.
  • Mariners: 7-3 over their last 10 games, hitting .294 with a 3.39 team ERA, outscoring opponents by 14 runs.

Tuesday’s game will be critical for both teams as they battle for playoff positioning in the tight AL West race.


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Alex Bregman is headed to Boston. Composite Getty Image.

After months of waiting for Alex Bregman to select his new team, we finally have some closure. According to multiple reports, Bregman has agreed to a 3-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox. The deal includes opt-outs after every season.

Bob Nightengale is reporting that Bregman turned down a 6-year deal for over $170 million to sign with Boston.

The Isaac Paredes era at third base now begins for Houston.

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