Boston (65-59) at Houston (68-56)
- When: Aug 20 2024, 8:10 PM
- Where: Minute Maid Park, Houston
- Where to watch: SCHN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Boston Red Sox @ Houston Astros
Moneyline
Boston Red Sox +103
Houston Astros -123
Boston Red Sox @ Houston Astros
Runline
Boston Red Sox 1.5 (-200)
Houston Astros -1.5 (+170)
Boston Red Sox @ Houston Astros
Total
Over 8.5 (-105)
Under 8.5 (-115)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Boston: Nick Pivetta (5-8, 4.49)
Houston: Ronel Blanco (9-6, 2.89)
Team Stats
| Red Sox | Astros | |
| 65-59 | Record | 68-56 |
| 36-27 | Away & Home | 33-29 |
| 4-6 | Last 10 | 9-1 |
| L2 | Streak | W3 |
Game Preview
Following the announcement that veteran right-hander Justin Verlander would make his return to the rotation after over two months, Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed on Monday that another potential comeback is off the table. Right-hander Luis Garcia, who underwent Tommy John surgery 15 months ago, will not return this season.
Garcia had seemed ready to rejoin the active roster after a rehab start last month, but he was sidelined again due to elbow soreness. He underwent UCL surgery in May 2023 and, like Lance McCullers Jr., will not make it back in time for the stretch run.
Before the Astros’ 5-4 win over the Red Sox on Monday, Espada stated that the team would implement a six-man rotation upon Verlander’s return.
"The goal is to prepare him for 2025," Espada said regarding Garcia. "There simply aren’t enough days left this season to get him back on the mound. We’re not going to rush this process; we need him for the future."
Right-hander Ronel Blanco (9-6, 2.89 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Astros on Tuesday. Despite throwing six scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays in his last start, Blanco remains winless in his last six appearances (0-3, 4.06 ERA). He did not factor into the decision in that game and has recorded only one win in his last nine starts despite maintaining a 3.83 ERA.
In his first encounter with the Red Sox on August 9, Blanco allowed three runs (two earned) over four innings but ended up with a no-decision as the Astros won 8-4.
Nick Pivetta (5-8, 4.49 ERA) is the expected starter for the Red Sox. He took the loss in a 5-1 defeat to the Baltimore Orioles, allowing three runs over five innings. Pivetta has struggled recently, going 1-4 with a 5.17 ERA over his last nine starts, with his last road victory occurring on June 17 against Toronto.
Pivetta has a 2-2 record with a 3.32 ERA in four career appearances against the Astros, with his last outing against them being in relief last August, where he struck out two batters.
The Red Sox squandered a couple of two-run leads on Monday and failed to take advantage of four errors by Houston, with closer Kenley Jansen giving up a walk-off home run to Yainer Diaz in the ninth inning.
Finding a balance in the pitching staff is crucial for Boston moving forward.
"I believe our pitching from the first through the sixth inning is solid, which is key," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. "We had a rough patch, and our bullpen suffered for it, but now our starters are giving us a chance to win, which is what we need."
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Houston 6-4
Expert Pick: Houston -123 & Over 8½ (-105)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $354
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
