The Houston Astros kick off their 2025 season on Thursday afternoon, hosting the New York Mets at Daikin Park. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. EDT.

Pitching matchup
Houston will send left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound, while the Mets counter with right-hander Clay Holmes. Both starters begin the season with a clean slate, looking to set the tone for their respective clubs.

Team breakdown
The Astros finished last season at 88-73, fueled by a powerful lineup that slugged .418 and averaged 1.2 home runs per game. Houston posted a strong 46-35 record at home and will look to carry that success into 2025.

The Mets, coming off an 89-73 campaign, were similarly productive at the plate, finishing with a .415 slugging percentage and a .734 OPS. They went 43-38 on the road and will look to spoil the Astros’ home opener.

Betting odds and injuries
According to BetMGM, the Astros enter as -134 favorites, while the Mets sit at +114. The over/under is set at 8 runs.

Houston enters the season opener without any listed injuries, while New York will be without infielder Nick Madrigal (shoulder) and pitchers Drew Smith (elbow) and Christian Scott (elbow), all on the 60-day IL.

With a strong home-field advantage and a steady presence in Valdez on the mound, the Astros aim to start their season with a win.

Here's a sneak peek at the Opening Day batting order. Brendan Rodgers gets the nod over Mauricio Dubon at second base.

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