Houston Astros vs Oakland Athletics

Today’s matchup is between the Houston Astros (22-22) and the Oakland Athletics (26-15). The Astros have won 1 of their last 5 games & the Athletics have won 3 of their last 5 games.

The Astros are starting Jose Urquidy (RHP), on the mound who is 0-0 in 1 game on the season pitching a 4.91 ERA, 4.53 FIP, .347 wOBA, K% of 11.8%, BB% of 17.6%, 98.4 MPH average exit velocity, and a 1.91 WHIP in 3.2 innings pitched.

The Athletics are starting Sean Manaea (LHP), who is 3-2 in 8 starts with a 5.09 ERA, 3.53 FIP, .327 wOBA, K% of 20%, BB% of 4%, 89.7 MPH average exit velocity & a 1.36 WHIP in 35.1 innings pitched.

The Astros are 19th best in the Majors in Relieving Pitching while the Athletics are 2nd.

On the hitting side, the Astros have a .323 wOBA and a .324 OBP. The Athletics have a .319 wOBA & a .319 OBP. The Astros have 50 HRs this season while the Athletics have 52 HRs.

Jose Urquidy is making his second start of his career and believe he'll struggle giving up home runs if he continues to give up an exit velocity of 98.4, admittedly that number should come down some but is is still eyebrow-raising nonetheless. The Astros have been pretty good against lefty pitchers but they've just been cold as of late so that dynamic shouldn't have a large effect. The Athletics lead early and never look back, Athletics moneyline.