- What: MLB Regular Season Game
- When: Tuesday, July 23
- Who: Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- Where: Oakland Coliseum (Oakland, CA)
The Astros are heading to Oakland to face the Athletics, with both teams experiencing different fortunes this season.
While the Athletics are one of the worst teams in the MLB, the Astros have been showing improvement lately, although they’ve struggled with consistency.
Houston Astros
The Astros currently hold a 52-47 record and recently snapped a two-game winning streak.
Despite their ups and downs, Houston boasts the best batting average in the MLB, thanks to strong performances from Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Jeremy Pena, Yainer Diaz, and Yordan Alvarez.
Their main challenge has been pitching, where they rank around the middle of the league. Standouts like Ronel Blanco, Framber Valdez, and Justin Verlander have been bright spots in an average pitching staff.
The key for the Astros is to find more consistency in the second half of the season.
Staying Out West.
⚾ : 8:40 pm (CST)
???? : @SpaceCityHN
????️ : @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3 FM#Relentless x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/fbofIi9Oif— Houston Astros (@astros) July 22, 2024
Starting on the mound for the Astros is Jake Bloss, who has a 0-0 record, a 4.70 ERA, and a 1.57 WHIP. Bloss has allowed four runs on 10 hits, with two walks and six strikeouts in 7.2 innings this season.
Despite his struggles in his two starts, the Astros are 2-0 in games he has pitched. With their offensive struggles, the Athletics present a favorable matchup for Bloss.
Offensively, the Astros have been the best in the MLB, leading in batting average at .261, up from .259 last season. Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez have been instrumental in this success.
Altuve leads the team with a .304 batting average and 121 total hits, while Alvarez leads in home runs (20), RBIs (54), and OBP (.385).
The Astros’ potent offense faces Osvaldo Bido on the mound for the Athletics, a pitcher who has seen limited action this season.
This matchup favors the Astros, who have been strong at the plate all year.
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics have struggled this season, posting a 39-62 record. Their offense and pitching have both underperformed, placing them near the bottom of the MLB rankings.
Despite the overall struggles, players like JJ Bleday, Abraham Toro, Shea Langeliers, and Brent Rooker have been standout performers.
JP Sears has been reliable on the mound, while Hogan Harris and Paul Blackburn have had decent outings in an otherwise struggling rotation.
Overall, the Athletics have had a tough season and remain one of the worst teams as they head into the year’s second half.
Osvaldo Bido will start on the mound for the Athletics. He has a 1-1 record, a 3.44 ERA, and a 1.25 WHIP. Through 18.1 innings this season, Bido has allowed seven runs on 12 hits, with 11 walks and 16 strikeouts.
The Athletics are 3-4 in the seven games he has appeared in. Although Bido has struggled with consistency, he faces a tough challenge against the Astros, who boast the best offense in the MLB.
New lineup just dropped ???? pic.twitter.com/hsQXMgiLJJ
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) July 23, 2024
The Athletics’ offense has been among the worst in the league, ranking 28th in team batting average at .230 after finishing last season at .222, the worst in the MLB.
Brent Rooker leads the team in most batting categories, including batting average (.294), home runs (22), RBIs (67), OBP (.373), and total hits (92).
Despite their struggles, the Athletics face a favorable matchup against Jake Bloss, who has had limited and shaky starts this season.
Astros-A’s Best Bet
This game will likely determine which offense can capitalize on the opposing pitching.
Bloss and Bido have limited starting experience this year, making the difference in the Astros’ potent offense in this game.
Expect the Astros to leverage their strong batting lineup to secure a win and cover the spread on the road against the Athletics.
I’d take the Astros on the moneyline in this one.
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
