Baltimore @ Houston Picks & Props

The leading projection system (THE BAT X) projects Jose Altuve in the 95th percentile when estimating his overall offensive ability. Jose Altuve is projected to bat 1st in the lineup in this game. Jose Altuve will have the handedness advantage over John Means in today's game. Jose Altuve pulls a lot of his flyballs (38.9% — 98th percentile) and is a great match for the park considering he'll be hitting them towards the league's 2nd-shallowest LF fences today. Home field advantage typically bolsters hitter stats across the board, and Jose Altuve will hold that advantage today.

Based on Statcast data, the leading projection system (THE BAT X)'s version of Expected wOBA (.322) may lead us to conclude that Jorge Mateo has had bad variance on his side this year with his .270 actual wOBA. Jorge Mateo is remarkably fast, ranking in the 99th percentile in Sprint Speed at 30.09 ft/sec this year.

As it relates to plate discipline, Aaron Hicks's skill is quite good, posting a 1.7 K/BB rate this year while placing in in the 84th percentile. With a .322 BABIP this year, Aaron Hicks grades out in the 76th percentile.

Austin Hays's batting average ability is projected to be in the 77th percentile according to the leading projection system (THE BAT X). Austin Hays is projected to hit 4th in the batting order in this game. Austin Hays's launch angle recently (26.3° over the past 7 days) is considerably higher than his 10.1° seasonal figure. With a .350 BABIP this year, Austin Hays has performed in the 92nd percentile.

Cedric Mullins II is projected to bat 5th on the lineup card today. Cedric Mullins II will have the benefit of the platoon advantage against Justin Verlander in today's matchup. The Houston Astros have just 1 same-handed RP in their bullpen, so Cedric Mullins II stands a good chance of holding the platoon advantage against every reliever all game. Cedric Mullins II's launch angle this year (22.4°) is significantly better than his 17.3° angle last year.

The leading projection system (THE BAT X) projects Adam Frazier in the 76th percentile when estimating his batting average ability. According to the weather report, the temperature and humidity for this contest will be the 5th-most favorable for hitting on the slate. Adam Frazier will hold the platoon advantage against Justin Verlander in today's matchup. The Houston Astros have just 1 same-handed RP in their bullpen, so Adam Frazier can likely count on never losing the platoon advantage against the 'pen all game. Compared to last season, Adam Frazier has improved his ability to hit the ball at a launch angle ideal for home runs, increasing his percentage of balls hit between 23° and 34° from 14.4% to 19.3% this season.

Anthony Santander is projected to hit 3rd in the batting order today. According to the weather report, the temperature and humidity for this contest will be the 5th-most favorable for hitting on the slate. Anthony Santander has made substantial strides with his Barrel% lately, improving his 10.9% seasonal rate to 20% over the last 7 days. Anthony Santander has seen a sizeable gain in his exit velocity in recent games; just compare his 95.7-mph average in the past week's worth of games to his seasonal 90.5-mph figure.