Are we looking at a potential World Series (rematch) preview as the Houston Astros travel to Chavez Ravine to begin a mini two-game set against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers?
The Astros saw cold water tossed on their hot streak by the San Francisco Giants — can Walker Buehler and L.A. pick up where San Fran left off? Or does Houston have MLB betting value as an underdog?
Check out our MLB free picks and predictions for Astros vs. Dodgers on Tuesday, August 3.
Astros vs Dodgers game info
• Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
• Date: Tuesday, August 3, 2021
• Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
• TV: SportsNet LA, ATT SportsNet-SW
Astros vs Dodgers odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
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Astros vs Dodgers betting preview
Starting pitchers
Lance McCullers (8-2, 3.23 ERA): McCullers has been outstanding for the Astros most of this season but has looked a little off during his last two starts. The right-hander has allowed eight runs on 12 hits over 11 innings in outings against not-so-hard-hitting Cleveland and Seattle.
Walker Buehler (11-1, 2.19 ERA): Buehler hasn’t given up more than three earned runs in a start dating back to May 11 and has looked nearly unhittable since the All-Star break, allowing three earned runs on 12 hits while striking out 25 over 21 1-3 innings pitched.
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our MLB weather info.
Key injuries
Astros: Alex Bregman 3B (Questionable), Michael Brantley LF (Questionable), Andre Scrubb RP (Out), Pedro Baez RP (Out).
Dodgers: Scott Alexander RP (Out), Gavin Lux UTIL (Out), Trea Turner SS (Out), Corey Knebel RP (Out).
Find our latest MLB injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Under is 5-1-1 in the Dodgers' last seven games with a total set between 7.0 and 8.5. Find more MLB betting trends for Astros vs Dodgers.
Moneyline pick
The Dodgers were already stacked. Then they traded for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. The only problem is we haven’t been able to see how this team stacks up against the best competition in baseball.
The Dodgers haven’t won a series against a team not called the Rockies or Diamondbacks since a four-game sweep of the Nationals back at the beginning of July. So, this matchup against the Astros should be a good barometer of where they are.
The Astros have arguably the best offense in baseball, ranking first in scoring and batting average, plus second in OPS. But if there is anyone who can slow down that offense it’s Buehler. The right-hander is pitching to a 1.58 ERA — and limiting opponents to a .171 batting average — over his last 14 starts.
While McCullers has been excellent this season, he has not had his best stuff lately and has to deal with a Dodgers’ lineup that isn’t too shabby itself, ranking third in scoring, ninth in average, and fourth in OPS.
With the Dodgers having the edge in starters, as well as the better bullpen, we like L.A. to strike first in this battle of potential World Series combatants.
PREDICTION: Dodgers (-170)
Over/Under pick
While this is a matchup of two of the best offenses in baseball, the old adage goes: great pitching beats great hitting. And with a total of 8.0, we like that to hold true in this one.
As noted, Buehler is dealing and should be able to shut down a lineup even as potent as the Astros, who haven’t been as lethal when they are underdogs: Houston has plated just three runs per game over their last seven contests when getting plus money.
On the other side, the Dodgers are in a bit of a slump when facing right-handed pitching. Over the last 15 days (13 games), the Dodgers rank 17th in batting average and 20th in OPS when facing righties and now must go against McCullers, who is limiting opponents to a .199 batting average this season.
With both of these starters capable of working deep into this ball game, this one should sneak below the number.
PREDICTION: Under 8 (-110)
Astros vs Dodgers betting card
- Dodgers ML (-170)
- Under 8 (-110)
Picks made on 8/2/2021 at 11:17 p.m. ET
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