White Sox vs. Astros Betting (June 17): Expect Houston to Shut Chicago Down

The MLB has several exciting matchups scheduled for Friday, June 17, including a Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros showdown taking place at 8:10 p.m. ET inside of Minute Maid Park.

Before the 2022 MLB season began, fans would’ve been foaming at the mouth at the thought of this matchup. Both teams are projected to be among the best in the American League and while the Astros have met expectations, the White Sox have not.

Houston currently leads the AL West with an impressive 39-24 record through 63 games. Meanwhile, the White Sox are trying to get back to .500 as they sit 30-31, five games back of the AL Central lead.

The right-handed Lucas Giolito will be given the start for Chicago while southpaw Framber Valdez gets the nod for Houston. It certainly looks like fans are in for a treat with a promising pitcher battle.

Here’s a look at the odds and best bets to make ahead of today’s White Sox vs. Astros matchup.

Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Chicago White Sox (30-31, 17-14 road, 3rd in the AL Central) vs. Houston Astros (39-24, 16-10 home, 1st in the AL West)
• Venue & Location: Minute Maid Park (Houston, Texas)
• Date: Friday, June 17, 2022
• Time: 8:10 p.m. Eastern Time
• How to Watch Today’s White Sox vs. Astros Game: Apple TV+, MLB.TV

White Sox vs. Astros Pitching Matchup

• Chicago White Sox: Lucas Giolito (2022: 11 starts, 4-2, 3.88 ERA)
• Houston Astros: Framber Valdez (2022: 12 starts, 6-3, 2.64 ERA)

White Sox vs. Astros Odds

Odds are via BetOnline. Odds from our other top reviewed and recommended online sportsbooks may also be included in this article.

Moneyline

• Chicago White Sox +140
• Houston Astros -166

Over/Under

• OVER 8 (-108)
• UNDER 8 (-112)

Run Line

• Chicago White Sox +1.5 (-142)
• Houston Astros -1.5 (+118)

White Sox Turn to Road Success for Help vs. Astros

As mentioned before, it’s no secret that the White Sox have failed to meet expectations. Between injuries and inconsistent play, things haven’t been all that enjoyable for the fanbase.

However, the White Sox have seen some decent success on the road as of late. Chicago has won five consecutive road games, outscoring its opponents 36-13 over that stretch. Obviously, the Astros will pose a tough task, but White Sox fans should feel some optimism regarding their team’s recent play away from home.

The White Sox are also coming off three straight victories against the Detroit Tigers — all on the road. They scored nine-plus runs in two of those contests with Jose Abreu and Yoan Moncada conducting a lot of the damage, tallying six RBIs apiece.

In fact, five White Sox players have at least five hits over their last three games while the team is slashing .398/.449/.602 over that stretch. It’s definitely a small sample size, but there’s no denying that Chicago has been putting up runs with ease.

Nevertheless, producing runs won’t be easy against a team like the Astros, who can hang with the best of them. Houston is allowing only 3.41 runs per game this season, which ranks second-best in the American League and third overall across the Majors.

Furthermore, the Astros are holding opponents to 7.14 hits per game (No. 3), as well as limiting the oppositions’ batters to a .219 batting average (No. 4). In other words, the likelihood of the White Sox scoring nine-plus runs again is astronomically low.

Chicago also must deal with Valdez, who’s been dealing on the mound as of late. The 28-year-old lefty is 5-1 in his last six starts with a 2.11 ERA. He’s given up an average of five hits over that span while striking on 35 players over 42.2 innings pitched.

On top of that, Valdez is 1-1 in three career games (two starts) against the White Sox, pitching to a 3.38 ERA with a 1.250 WHIP. Assuming he can continue pitching that well on Friday, he should give Chicago a run for its money.

Over/Under Trends for White Sox vs. Astros

• The White Sox are 3-8 straight up in their last 11 games against Houston.
• Houston is 6-0 straight up in its last six home games against the White Sox.
• The total has hit the under in 12 of Houston’s last 17 home games.
• The White Sox are 7-8 straight up in their last 15 games against left-handed pitchers.

Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros Prediction and Best Bets

White Sox vs. Astros Prediction: Astros to win

White Sox vs. Astros Best Bets: Astros ML (-166 at BetOnline) & Under 8 (-112 at BetOnline)

Despite the White Sox’s recent success, the Astros are the better team overall and likely have the pitching advantage heading into Friday’s matchup. Plus, you can’t ignore Houston’s recent home success against Chicago.

As for the best bet, I’m taking the Astros on the moneyline, as well as the total hitting the under. Houston knows how to make its opponents’ offense disappear and tonight should be no different.

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