Houston (13-12) at Kansas City (13-14)
- When: Apr 25 2025, 7:40 PM
- Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
- Where to watch: SCHN
Astros vs. Royals Game 2 Betting Preview, Prediction & Player Prop Picks
Moneyline: Houston -134 | Total: 7.5
Houston Astros Outlook
The Astros roll into Saturday looking to bounce back after being blanked 2-0 in Friday’s series opener. Despite the setback, Houston has been trending upward recently, winning five of their last seven games. They’ll turn to Framber Valdez, who needs a rebound performance. After tossing seven shutout innings on Opening Day, Valdez has struggled, posting a 4.50 ERA and giving up 14 earned runs over his last 21 innings.
Offensively, Houston has been inconsistent, scoring two runs or fewer in 11 of their 25 games. Jeremy Peña’s 14-game hitting streak ended Friday, and the lineup will need more production from guys like Yordan Alvarez, who has been warming up with hits in three of his last four games.
Given Valdez’s upside and Houston’s overall lineup strength, a bounce-back feels likely—especially against a Royals offense that’s been hot lately but inconsistent over the season.
Astros Prop Picks:
Framber Valdez Over 5.5 Strikeouts
Jose Altuve Over 1.5 Total Bases
Isaac Paredes to Record an RBI
Kansas City Royals Outlook
Kansas City is riding a five-game winning streak and feeling confident after shutting down the Astros in Game 1. Michael Wacha takes the mound Saturday looking for his first win of the season. While his 4.15 ERA isn’t awful, Wacha has yet to work past the sixth inning in any start this year—a potential red flag against a patient Houston lineup.
The Royals’ offense has picked up recently, fueled by contributions up and down the lineup. Bobby Witt Jr. is on fire, extending his hitting streak to 17 games and batting .320 overall. Salvador Perez and Drew Waters have also sparked key rallies, and Kansas City is suddenly playing with a lot of energy.
Still, despite recent success, the Royals rank among the bottom teams in homers and team batting average, so sustaining this surge against Valdez won’t be easy. If they want to keep the streak alive, they’ll need another standout team effort.
Royals Prop Picks:
Bobby Witt Jr. to Record 2+ Hits
Michael Wacha Over 2.5 Earned Runs Allowed
Salvador Perez Over 0.5 RBIs
Expert Prediction
Houston is too experienced to stay quiet for long, and Valdez is overdue for a quality outing. While Kansas City’s momentum is real, the Astros should grind out a much-needed win to even the series.
Pick: Astros ML (-134)
Prediction: Houston 5, Kansas City 3
Lean: Over 7.5 – Both starters have been hittable, and with hitters like Witt and Paredes in rhythm, expect some runs.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
