Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction: Will Cristian Javier Rack Up the Strikeouts?
The Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox start their series tonight. Will Cristian Javier rack up the strikeouts against the Red Sox? The Professor answers.
The Professor - August 21, 2023, 9:48 AM EDT
5 minHouston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction: Will Cristian Javier Rack Up the Strikeouts?
Cristian Javier was one of the biggest contributors to the Houston Astros title run last year. After working himself into the rotation, the highlight of his season was leading the Astros to a combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the World Series.
Astros vs. Red Sox Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: August 21, 2023
- Time: 8:10 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction
This season has been a different story for Javier, as he just hasn’t looked like the same pitcher. Astros general manager Dana Brown and Manager Dusty Baker have both said they believe that the biggest issue for Javier is fatigue.
Regardless of the cause, Javier has struggled to generate strikeouts. I’m targeting the under on his 5.5 strikeouts, a number he has failed to exceed in 13 of the last 15 starts. The Red Sox have the fifth-lowest strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season at (21.1%) and rank No. 9 in wRC+ (111) over the last 30 days.
The books have set Javier’s outs line at 15.5 and have it juiced to the under, which means they aren’t expecting a prolonged outing from him today. The Red Sox aren’t a K-friendly matchup, and I just don’t see him righting the ship and exceeding this line in five innings of work. Give me the under.
Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox Pick
Cristian Javier Under 5.5 Strikeouts -104 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
MLB Odds
