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Blue Jays vs. Astros Prediction and Odds for Sunday, April 24 (Hang Hat on Houston as Short Home Favorite)

By Ben Heisler

Astros third baseman Alex Bregman circles the bases Saturday at home against the Toronto Blue Jays following a two-run home run.
Astros third baseman Alex Bregman circles the bases Saturday at home against the Toronto Blue Jays following a two-run home run. / Bob Levey/GettyImages
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The Houston Astros are slumping to start their 2022 campaign.

They've lost four straight games, and their once-vaunted offense is amongst the worst in the American League, and have been outscored by a minimum of 21 runs amongst the teams in their division. Houston has just 46 runs scored in 14 games this year for an average of 3.28 runs per game.

Today, they look to avoid a sweep at the hands of the AL-leading Toronto Blue Jays at home as Yusei Kikuchi takes the bump against right-hander Luis Garcia. As Houston has lost four straight, Toronto has won four in a row, becoming the first team to 10 wins in the junior circuit.

Here are the latest odds for today's matinee at the "Juice Box" at WynnBET Sportsbook.

Blue Jays vs. Astros Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

  • Blue Jays +1.5 (-170)
  • Astros -1.5 (+140)

Moneyline:

  • Blue Jays +115
  • Astros -125

Total:

  • 8.5 (OVER -115 | UNDER -105)

Blue Jays vs. Astros Prediction and Pick

Despite the Blue Jays' recent run, I think Sunday is as good of a day as any for the Astros to take out some frustrations for their recent hitting woes.

Kikuchi's numbers at first glance may seem ok: 0-1 with a 3.24 ERA, but the veteran left-hander is not missing bats and not throwing consistent strikes. So far in 8.2 innings, Kikuchi has only five strikeouts as well as five free passes.

Many of the Astros' hitters have driven the ball on Kikuchi in the past, including Yuli Gurriel and Yordan Alvarez who each have two home runs in 19 and 18 ABs respectively. Alex Bregman has a weighted on-base average (wOBA) of .482 against the crafty left-hander. League average is .320!

As for Houston's starter, Luis Garcia, he's coming off a seven-strikeout outing against the Angels, giving up three runs on four hits. His fastball spin rate ranks in the 89th percentile of MLB pitchers, via MLB Statcast, so when it's on, it's nearly impossible to pick up.

Between Houston's previous success vs. Kikuchi, and Garcia's stuff playing vs. anyone, I like Houston to snap its skid this afternoon at home.

LEAN: Astros -125

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