Mariners vs. Astros Prediction and Odds for Sunday, July 31 (No J-Rod, Big Problems For Seattle)

Seattle pulled off the win last night to stop a streak of five-straight loss at the hands of Houston, but the Mariners may have suffered a huge loss in the process. Julio Rodriguez was hit on the hand with a pitch and later removed from the game. We are still awaiting word on the X-ray and severity of the injury. 

We can assume however, that J-Rod will miss today’s game which is going to be started by George Kirby for Seattle. Jake Odorizzi will oppose him. Seattle is hoping for a split with the top team in the division and Houston wants to kick the Mariners while they’re down. 

You can find odds for this AL West matchup at WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Mariners vs. Astros Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line

• Mariners +1.5 (-180)
• Astros -1.5 (+150)

Moneyline

• Mariners +120
• Astros -130

Total

• 8.5 (Over -120 / Under +100)

Mariners vs. Astros Prediction and Pick

Not to toot my own horn here, but I nailed Seattle as my Underdog of the Day yesterday against Houston. A lot of that pick had to do with the fact that Seattle would be on an emotional high after trading for Luis Castillo and the players would feel emboldened by a front office that believes in them as a contender. 

Today, I’m using the exact same logic to get to the opposite conclusion. Julio Rodriguez is a stud and going to be a tremendous, All-Star caliber, outfielder for years to come. Losing a player like that who has had a huge role in turning around an organization that has not made the playoffs since 2001, has to hurt the morale in the locker room. 

Rodriguez has an .816 OPS, which isn’t outstanding, and has struggled with strikeouts a bit, but when he hits the ball he hits it hard and he is exciting every time he goes to the plate. Rodriguez is in the top 10% of the league in average exit velocity, max exit velocity, hard hit rate, and barrel rate. He is also a tremendous fielder and is in the 93rd percentile of outs above average, and a great baserunner, in the 97th percentile of sprint speed. 

Losing J-Rod is a huge deal for Seattle. We still do not know how long he will be gone, but it is going to hurt them today. 

Pick: Astros -1.5 (+150)

Follow all Josh’s bets HERE