The Houston Astros are eager to return home after a difficult 10-game road trip. The team has struggled and faced a series of injuries as they conclude their trip against the Seattle Mariners.
Having only secured one win in the first nine games of this road trip, Houston is hoping to avoid a sweep by Seattle. The return of players in the infield could support right-hander Mike Burrows.
Predictions suggest Seattle’s sweep will be prevented, with MLB picks favouring Houston.
Correa’s Return Offers Boost to Astros Lineup
The Houston Astros suffered a 6-1 defeat, missing key players such as SS Jeremy Pena and 3B Carlos Correa. While Pena has been placed on the injured list, Correa is expected to return.
Correa’s return is a boost, as he provides solid hitting, ranking high in expected batting average and strikeout rate.
Houston needs a strong performance for starter Mike Burrows, who has been serviceable in his last two outings, allowing five earned runs on 13 hits over 10 1/3 innings.
Mariners’ Offence and Astros’ Hitting
The Seattle Mariners have been hitting well against Houston, particularly in later innings, with 14 of 23 runs scored from the fifth inning onward. However, regression is expected from the Mariners lineup, which is near the bottom in batting stats to start 2026.
George Kirby has allowed a home run in each of his three starts. Houston is second in slugging (.454) and third in home runs per outing (1.19).
Run Support Crucial for Astros
Given the state of the Astros’ injury-plagued bullpen, Houston requires plenty of run support to avoid a sweep in Seattle. The Astros lineup scored 13 runs in the opening two games of the series, with both games going Over.
- The finale could see Houston hitting hard early.
- Seattle surging late.
The Astros have been a red-hot Over bet to start 2026, with an 11-5 O/U record. Game models are calling for at least eight runs this afternoon.
The Houston Astros have gone Over the total in 11 of their last 14 games.