Jose Urquidy vs. Red Sox: Astros Starter Looking to Build on Success Against Boston

The Houston Astros will send right-hander Jose Urquidy to the hill tonight against the Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of the ALCS. Houston is currently a +105 underdog at Fenway Park on WynnBET Sportsbook.

Urquidy (8-3, 3.62 ERA) will be making his first appearance this postseason, but has posted a 2.81 ERA in 25.2 innings pitched in the postseason for the Astros in the past. Urquidy has not pitched since his Oct. 3 start against the Oakland Athletics, giving up four hits and three earned runs while striking out three in six innings of work.

Here are three prop bets to take for Urquidy against the Red Sox tonight.

Jose Urquidy OVER 3.5 Strikeouts (-105)

Urquidy is not a punchout artist, never really racking up too many strikeouts. But, the Red Sox struck out 10 times in Game 1 and 12 times in Game 2, and averaged 8.54 strikeouts per game in the regular season.

There is a lot of power in Boston’s lineup but also some swing-and-miss. Enough swing-and-miss that Urquidy can pick up four strikeouts before he exits, especially if he can go at least six innings. 

Jose Urquidy OVER 0.5 Home Runs Allowed

The righty does a decent job of limiting contact, as evidenced by his .218 opponent average this season, but Urquidy is a fly ball pitcher. 

Playing in Minute Maid Park for most of the year will balloon some home run numbers against pitchers, Urquidy allowed 17 home runs in 107 innings of work, but Fenway Park certainly won’t do him any favors tonight. 

As long as Urquidy allows just one solo home run, he’ll be fine.

Jose Urquidy UNDER 4.5 Hits Allowed

As I mentioned before, Urquidy has posted a solid .218 opponent batting average this season. For a frame of reference, Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees, his opponent batting average is .223.

Urquidy can limit damage, and has done much better in night games, allowing a .255 opponent average in the day, but a .193 average against when the sun is down.

Considering that Urquidy could be pulled before his third time through the lineup order also drives down his potential hits total.

Urquidy made one start against Boston on May 31, and picked up the win, allowing just three hits and one earned run while striking out nine batters in six innings.