Blue Jays vs Astros Prediction - MLB Picks 4/18/23

Houston Astros (8-9) vs Toronto Blue Jays (10-7)

Game Info: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 8:10 pm (Minute Maid Park)

Jose Urquidy (1-0) (2.35) vs Chris Bassitt (1-2) (7.63)

Betting Odds: Houston Astros -116 / Toronto Blue Jays -111 --- Over/Under: 9.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Houston Astros will host the Toronto Blue Jays for game two of their series this Tuesday from Minute Maid Park. Houston took game one after coming out extremely strong with a seven-run first inning, 9-2

Blue Jays Betting Preview

Toronto moved to 10-7 after losing to Houston. The Blue Jays nearly swept an undefeated Tampa team, but instead they’ve dropping their last two games by seven runs, and will look to get some offense going here. The Toronto offense is scoring 4.85 runs per game, while batting .271, with a .340 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 4.86 ERA, with a 1.37 WHIP. Matt Chapman produced one of the lone runs yesterday, and he leads the Jays in batting average (.410) and RBI (16). Bo Bichette is second on the team in hitting (.373) after racked up seven hits versus Tampa.

Chris Bassitt (1-2, 7.63 ERA, 13 Ks) will take the mound for Toronto. The ninth-year pitcher responded to a messy season debut with two solid outings versus LAA and Detroit. Bassitt earned his first victory of the season after containing the Angels, and he struck out seven in six innings against the Tigers last week.

Astros Betting Preview

Houston enters at 8-9 after defeating Toronto. The Astros have traded their last seven games, and they’ll look to buck that trend Tuesday. The Houston offense is scoring 4.66 runs per game, while batting .251, with a .335 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 3.40 ERA, with a 1.28 WHIP. Mauricio Dubon has stepped up in Jose Altuve’s absence by recording a hit in each of the last ten games, and leading the Astros in average (.340). Yordan Alvarez is among league leaders with 20 RBI on the season.

Jose Urquidy (1-0, 2.35 ERA, 13 Ks) will start for Houston. The fifth-year pitcher has been consistent, allowing just four runs over three starts. Urquidy struck out six in 5 ⅓ innings pitched at Minnesota, before earning his first decision of the season after six shutout innings versus Pittsburgh.

Toronto vs Houston Trends

Toronto is 8-8 against the spread this season, with a 8-7-1 over/under record. Houston is 8-8 ATS this year, with a 11-5 O/U record.

Corey's Free Pick

Toronto has a chance to bounce back today, but with Houston carrying advantages on the mound and home field, I want to lean on them in game two. The defending World Series champions have been hindered by inconsistency early on, and after trading seven straight, there should be a sense of urgency to get away from that trend with a victory on Tuesday. While I like Houston in this pick ‘em spot, the Over comes with much more security, as both teams possess two of the best lineups in the majors.