Mariners vs Astros Odds, Picks, and Probable Pitchers (August 22)

• The Mariners and Astros wrap up a three-game series on Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park
• Houston has taken the first two games of this matchup so far, outscoring Seattle 27-4
• Find the odds, preview, and pick below

The Seattle Mariners (66-58, 29-33 away) will be looking to bounce back after two straight losses to the Houston Astros (73-50, 39-23 home) as they meet for the series finale on Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park. First-pitch is set for 2:10 PM EST.

It will be the battle of lefties on the mound, with Tyler Anderson making the start for Seattle and Framber Valdez getting the ball for Houston.

Mariners vs Astros Odds

Odds as of August 21st at DraftKings

Probable Pitchers

Anderson was acquired by the Mariners prior to the trade deadline from the Pittsburgh Pirates and has actually been solid since joining the team. The southpaw has a 4.10 ERA on the season, but with Seattle Anderson has gone 1-0 in four starts with a 2.91 ERA.

Three of those outings have come against a dismal Texas Rangers offense though. In his last appearance on Tuesday, the 31-year-old gave up just one run across six innings as he collecting his sixth win of 2021.

Mariners starting pitchers have a 2.82 ERA in 15 starts this month — best in the American League.
Tyler Anderson has made three of those starts.

— Corey Brock (@CoreyBrockMLB) August 18, 2021

While Anderson has spent most of his big league career to this point in the National League, he has faced the Astros three times. However, the lefty has been hit around by them, compiling a 7.56 ERA in 16.2 innings. Six hitters in their current lineup have squared off against Anderson.

Anderson vs Valdez

Valdez has been extremely consistent for a solid Astros staff, going 8-4 with an impressive 3.17 ERA. While he’s striking out almost one hitter per inning, his command has been shaky at times, walking 41 hitters.

Last time out, the left-hander gave up nine hits and three runs in 6.2 innings of work against the Kansas City Royals as he took the loss. But, Valdez has lasted at least five innings in his last six starts, giving Houston longevity before handing things to their bullpen.

Framber Valdez, Filthy Curveballs. 😷 #BendTheKnee pic.twitter.com/8RV4W84dpe

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 18, 2021

Seattle has been an opponent that Valdez absolutely loves. Although he hasn’t faced them in 2021, the Dominican boasts a 1.48 ERA against the M’s in six appearances, going 4-0. They also struggle immensely with southpaws on the mound, which is a clear reason why Valdez could dominate once again in the series finale at home.

Batting Average vs Starting Pitchers

The Mariners were 7-3 until landing in Houston, where they gave up 12 runs in the series opener then another 15 in Game 2. From an offensive standpoint, Seattle scored just four runs across the two contests. But, their lack of production at the plate has been a clear problem all season.

It isn't very often you'll see anybody tweet out a highlight of a sac fly………..

Then again, it isn't very often a sac fly put's your team up two touchdowns either. #Astros 15@Mariners 1#ForTheH pic.twitter.com/JfsII5QNmx

— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) August 21, 2021

The M’s rank dead last in the majors in hits and team average and are also around the middle of the pack in team ERA. But, they were throwing the ball a lot better before Houston lit them up. Surprisingly, Scott Servais’s squad still has a chance at a Wild Card spot, currently four games behind the Oakland Athletics.

The Astros are looking like a legitimate World Series contender again. They’re first in runs, hits, average, and OBP while putting that offensive firepower on full display in this Seattle series. From one to nine, their lineup is full of impact bats. Michael Brantley is leading the way with an AL-best .322 average.

Keep it coming.#ForTheH pic.twitter.com/JfLkI7icrB

— Houston Astros (@astros) August 21, 2021

However, Houston is still fighting tooth and nail to remain in first place in the AL West. Oakland is just 2.5 games behind them right now and there are still six contests to go between the two teams. But with the Athletics potentially without ace Chris Bassitt for the rest of the year due to an injury, the ‘Stros may have the upper hand for another division crown.

Mariners vs Astros Prediction

Seattle was just embarrassed in the last two games and I honestly think it will be a wake-up call for the team. While Valdez has enjoyed his fair share of success against the M’s, there are several guys on their roster who have hit him well. Take the underdog here.

Pick: Seattle Mariners +155

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