| Updated:2024-04-28 00:48 Views:125 |
The Astros got back on track in a big way last night, as Ronel Blanco threw a no-hitter in a 10-0 victory over the Blue Jays.
Tonight, they'll hand the ball to their ace, Framber Valdez, who needs to bounce back after a rough outing on Opening Day.
He'll be opposed by Jose Berrios of the Jays. Berrios was excellent in his first start of the season, which came on the road against the Rays.
However, this Astros lineup is riding high after yesterday and is much more formidable in their home ballpark.
So, will the Astros ride the wave from last night's historic performance? Or are the Blue Jays primed to bounce back? Let's dive into the game and make a Blue Jays vs. Astros pick in our MLB betting preview for Tuesday, April 2.
Check out our MLB Betting Hub for more previews from today's slate.Toronto Blue JaysWhile last night's game was an outlier from all perspectives, it doesn't change the fact that this Blue Jays lineup lacks the thunder we've seen in years past.
Through the first few games of the season, only three players have an above-average hard-hit rate, and one of them is Davis Schneider, who has put two balls in play.
Adding to the slow start from the majority of the lineup, we did not see Schneider or Bo Bichette in the lineup last night. If they're missing again tonight, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will have no protection around him in the order, and his impact will be limited.
However, even this struggling Blue Jays lineup could have success if Valdez doesn't harness his command. We saw Valdez walk six batters in his first start, and it's safe to say those free passes can't continue.
We should see him rein it in, as his walk rate has not been above 10% since 2021. If Valdez's command is in check, we should see plenty of ground balls tonight.
MLB Best Bets Today | 5 Expert Picks for Tuesday, April 2Apr 2, 2024 UTCMLB Predictions Tuesday: Odds, Picks, Preview for Tigers vs Mets, Yankees vs Diamondbacks, More (April 2)Apr 2, 2024 UTCMLB Picks & Predictions for Today's Games | Action NetworkApr 2, 2024 UTCHouston AstrosAs for the Astros, last night's output was bound to happen. The Astros have gotten off to a strong start at the plate in 2024, as all of their big bats are putting the ball in play consistently and with authority.
Tonight, that trend should continue against Berrios. The Astros have racked up a combined 140 at-bats against Berrios, and while they've had some success, the numbers suggest they're due for more.
Overall, they have hit .270 and slugged .459 against Berrios, but they have a collective xBA of .293 and an xSLG of .551.
Considering that Berrios had a hard-hit rate of 43.8% in his first start, the Astros are going to do damage with the balls they put in play tonight.
Blue Jays vs AstrosBetting Pick & Prediction
With positive regression pointing in favor of the Astros both on the mound and at the dish in this one, they're the side to take.
However, it's important to note that both of these bullpens have struggled mightily in the early going, with the Astros' pen being the worse of the two thus far.
So, I'm going to remove them from the equation and count on Valdez to get right in this one. Take the Astros in the first five.
Pick: Astros F5 ML -155
