The MLB midseason break is almost here, but while some teams have built up a large lead in their division, you are not going to see anyone start to pop the champagne corks just yet. While it certainly must feel good to be on top and ahead of the pack, there is still a large chunk of this season to be played, and with the trade deadline also fast approaching, we are on the brink of seeing some moves that could put a team in the chasing pack over the top.
It is more than fair to suggest, though, that the pressure is very much on the shoulders of the teams sitting below the leaders right now, as they are in a position where they really cannot afford have a major slip-up. Yes, there is still time to make up ground, but it runs out really quickly when you are starting to lose. The LA Angels are still hovering around the Wild Card picture, but they need to make a move, which they will hope to do against the AL West-leading Houston Astros this weekend. It is Houston who comes in a 1 ½ run favorite on Friday night.
Angels vs Astros MLB Week 14 Odds, Game Info & Pick
- When: Friday, July 5 at 8:10 PM EST
- Where: Minute Maid Park, Houston
- Starting Pitchers: Pena vs. Verlander
- TV: MLB Extra Innings
- Radio: Sports 610 AM
- Live Stream: MLB.tv
- MLB Week 14 Odds: Houston Astros -220 (Total 9)
Phillies vs Mets MLB Lines & Expert Pick for Friday Night
Why bet on the LA Angels?
We mentioned earlier that the Angels are still part of the Wild Card picture, but the reality is that this is a team that probably needs a little help at the trade deadline. They are sitting at .500 with a 44-44 season mark, and while Mike Trout continues to excel for the Angels, he cannot take them over the hump on his own.
That record has the Angels sitting 11 ½ games behind the Houston Astros for the lead in the AL West, but also just 4 games back of the final spot in the AL Wild Card. The Angels are coming off a series against the Rangers, where they took 2 of 3 to go to 6-4 in their last 10 games and 22-23 away from home. It will be Felix Pena (5-2, 4.73 ERA) on the mound for this one.
Team Stats
Offense- Runs: 5.02
- Hits: 8.89
- Walks: 3.64
- Strike Outs: 6.72
Defense
- Runs: 5.01
- Hits: 8.33
- Walks: 3.48
- Strike Outs: 8.89
Why bet on the Houston Astros?
The Astros made it clear from the start that they were going to be one of the teams to beat in the American League, but as happens to every team at some point in the season, they recently hit a major speed bump. That run of poor form, combined with a good run by the Texas Rangers saw the double-digit lead that the Astros had in the division disappear.
They now appear to be over that, as they are coming into this one on a 5-game winning streak, while also being well aware that they have taken both previous meetings with the Angels this season. The Astros are 7 ½ games clear at the top and are an impressive 31-13 at home. It will be Justin Verlander (10-3, 2.86 ERA) on the mound for this one.
Team Stats
Offense- Runs: 5.05
- Hits: 9.10
- Walks: 3.74
- Strike Outs: 6.90
- Runs: 4.05
- Hits: 7.37
- Walks: 2.79
- Strike Outs: 9.95
Brewers vs Pirates MLB Odds, Preview & Prediction
Angels vs Astros MLB Week 14 Betting Trends
- Angels are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games played in July
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Angels’ last 9 games against an opponent in the American League West division
- Astros are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games at home
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston’s last 5 games played in July
- Angels are 47-81 against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons
- Astros are 11-0 against the money line when playing with a day off this season
- Verlander is 13-9 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.011
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Angels vs Astros
While I certainly like the Astros to keep their winning streak going on Friday night, I do believe that the Angels will be able to keep it close, covering the spread in the process.
Score: LA Angels 4 – Houston Astros 5
