MLB Betting: Athletics vs Astros & White Sox vs Twins – 07/15/2022

Two great divisional matchups highlight some of the picks for bettors on Friday. The Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros face off in an American League West clash, while the Chicago White Sox take on the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central. This betting guide will give the best value plays for these games based on recent trends between the squads.

Oakland Athletics (+165) vs Houston Astros (-200)

Oakland has had a tough time with the Astros this season, winning just one of the six meetings between the teams in the campaign. This will be the first time the teams play each other in Houston this season, where the Astros return after going 4-2 on their recent road trip. That includes two wins over the A’s on that trip, and the Oakland victory in that previous three-game set snapped a six-game losing streak to Houston. Oakland starter Cole Irvin has won just one of his last 11 starts. Take Houston (-200) to win again, and take a really good look at the Astros run line (-1.5, +105).


Get the latest odds, lines, props, picks & futures in your inbox everyday. Signup for our daily newsletter


Irvin has struggled to pick up wins, but the total has gone under in each of his last five starts. It has also gone under in six of Houston starter Jake Odorizzi’s last seven starts. The over has hit just twice in the six meetings between the teams this season, and the under is 4-0 in Odorizzi’s last four starts against a divisional opponent. Take the under (U8, -115) in this one.

Chicago White Sox (+120) vs Minnesota Twins (-145)

The White Sox are on a bit of a surge, winning three in a row, including Thursday’s 12-2 smashing of the Twins in the opener of this series. Chicago has won the last two games between these teams after Minnesota took the first five this season. The Twins have won just two of their last seven, and starter Devin Smeltzer has been smoked lately to the tune of a 6.46 ERA and 1.43 WHIP (walks+hits per inning pitched) in his last three outings. There’s value with the White Sox (+120) again in this one.

Despite Smeltzer’s struggles, the over has hit just once in his last five starts. The total has gone under in three of White Sox starter Michael Kopech’s last four starts, as well. However, these teams have been prone to blowouts this season, and the over is 5-1-1 when these teams square off this season. Neither of these starters looks trustworthy, so take the over (O9, -105) once again.

Odds via BetMGM

The Hockey Writers & THWBets promotes responsible gaming, and provides this content as opinion and analysis with no guarantees or assurances.
For more information about responsible gambling, including help for problem gambling behaviour, please visit these great resource pages:
If you’re in Canada, Rogers Sports & Media has put together a great information and resources page.
If you’re in the United States, MGMResorts has a great page for gambling problem resources.

Bet99 sportsbook banner ad