Seattle Mariners vs Houston Astros Prediction: Can Justin Verlander Still Be Elite for the Astros?
Seattle Mariners vs Houston Astros Prediction: Can Justin Verlander Still Be Elite for the Astros?
The Houston Astros have started the season 4-3. However, with the way they've played, you really wouldn't think that the Astros would be above. 500. After a loss to the Mariners, 11-1, Houston's not having the best start to the season. With Justin Verlander scheduled to start for the Astros tonight, Houston won't need a crazy amount of offense tonight. But maybe the Astros can score more than one run tonight. Just maybe.
Can the Astros capitalize on a Justin Verlander start tonight? Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners.
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Mariners vs. Astros Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: April 16, 2022
- Game Time: 9:10 pm ET
- Where to Watch: RSNW/ATTH
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Mariners vs. Astros Injury Report
Mariners
Out: OF Kyle Lewis (Knee), 1B Evan White (Groin)
Astros:
Out: OF Yordan Alvarez (Illness)
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Mariners vs. Astros Total Runs Movement
Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros Prediction
Lately, reports have been coming out about Justin Verlander stating that he basically wants to be the "Tom Brady" of baseball. Verlander wants to pitch until he's in his mid-40s. He wouldn't be the first pitcher to do that. But if he could perform at the same level that he's performing bow by 45-years-old, that would be one of the most impressive things baseball would ever see. Time will tell. Anyway, Verlander looked very good in his 2022 debut, allowing just one run in five innings with seven strikeouts and three walks against the Los Angeles Angels. Verlander will need to keep the walks down a bit but overall, had some very good stuff, blowing by seven hitters in just five innings. The Mariners really don't have that much potential against righties. At least for now, dating back to last season, the Mariners have a .166 ISO and wOBA of .302 against righties with just Jesse Winker being an elite bat in the lineup. Winker has a .298 ISo and wOBA of .438 against righties in 362 plate appearances. Other guys with power for the Mariners against righties include Mitch Haniger, Eugenio Suarez, and Jarred Kelenic. But overall, none of those guys have a high wOBA like Winker. This should be a lineup that Verlander has success against. Meanwhile, Chris Flexen will take the hill for the Mariners. Flexen, dating back to last season, has a 5.17 xFIP with 15.8% strikeouts. That's not good stuff at all and he has struggled against righties, allowing a .347 wOBA. Righties in the lineup include Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Yuli Gurriel, and many more solid bats. The Astros are hitting 26.5% line drives against righties dating back to last year with the potential lineup and that's very good news going up against a guy that struggles to put away batters. Therefore, I'll take the Astros -.5 in the first five innings. I'll take my chances with Verlander and the Astros bats going up against Flexen.
Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners Pick
- Astros -.5 F5 -115 (Bet $115 to Win $100)
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Article Author
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.