MLB odds aren’t giving Houston much of a chance in the National League race, but they used a late push to put themselves in the mix for the Central just before the All-Star break. The Astros will face the Dodgers on Friday in the second of a four-game series, and MLB odds should go against them in this battle of pitching aces.
Astros Dodgers odds – Friday, July 17, 10:10 PM ET
Roy Oswalt (5-4, 3.85) is still one of the most consistent pitchers in all of baseball, and he gave up six runs in his last 29 innings before the All-Star break, racking up a 2-0 record in four starts with a complete game. The 31-year-old took a no-decision against the Dodgers earlier this year, taking his career record to 5-3 in nine games (eight starts) with a 3.91 ERA.
Chad Billingsley (9-4, 3.38) is coming off his first All-Star appearance, and you can only imagine what his numbers would be like if he wasn’t second in the National League in walks. The 24-year-old righthander cooled off a bit before the break, racking up four no-decisions and a loss in his last five starts, but he’ll return to face a team which he shut out for 7.1 innings earlier this year, tossing a three-hitter in a victory. Billingsley is now 3-2 in five starts against the Astros with a 2.62 ERA.
The Dodgers should be favored by MLB odds in this contest, as Billingsley is 6-3 in nine starts at Dodger Stadium with a 3.38 ERA. Oswalt is 3-2 with a 3.71 ERA in 10 road starts, but his first outing of the second half was pushed back a day to rest an injured finger, which could be a concern to some offshore sportsbook players. Go with the young gun over the veteran this time.
MLB odds pick: Los Angeles Dodgers