White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech threw a no-hitter in his most recent start … but not really because Kopech was pulled after six innings vs. Detroit and then the bullpen lost the no-no. He returns to the mound Wednesday in a potential playoff preview against visiting Houston.

Nitrobetting checks out the game in this preview. Get a complete look at the game information, team and player statistics, and the latest MLB betting odds. We also deliver timely betting trends and predictions that help you secure the best picks.

Astros vs. White Sox Game Information

Final: White Sox 4, #Astros 3

— Houston Astros (@astros) August 17, 2022

• When: Wednesday, August 17, 2022, 8:10 PM ET
• Where: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL
• TV: ATT SportsNet-SW, NBCSCH
• Radio: KBME 790 AM (Astros) / WMVP 1000 AM (White Sox)
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Odds: Astros (-152) // White Sox (+132)

READ MORE: Mets vs. Braves MLB Odds, Preview and Prediction – August 16, 2022

Why bet on the Houston Astros?

Houston will start lefty Framber Valdez (11-4, 2.73 ERA). Valdez shut out the Rangers for seven innings, striking out eight, in a 7-3 win last Thursday. All four hits against Valdez were singles, and he managed to pitch around trouble in the third and seventh innings to hold the Rangers scoreless. At one point, he retired 11 straight batters. The 28-year-old has now thrown a quality start in 19 straight appearances. He’s posted a 2.73 ERA and allowed just seven homers in 142 innings this year.

The workhorse Valdez leads the AL with 142 innings pitched, and needs one more quality start to tie Mike Scott’s franchise record of 20 in a row, set in his National League Cy Young season of 1986.

“I feel proud of it,” Valdez said. “This is something that’s [close to] a record for the team, a record for me, as well. It’s something that, I think, just shows the fruits of my labor, the fruits of all my dedication and all the hard work I’ve put in.”

Valdez beat the White Sox on June 17, allowing three runs and eight hits over six innings.

Houston has ruled out former All-Star outfielder Michael Brantley for the rest of the season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear in his right shoulder. Considering he’s 35 years old and will become a free agent, Brantley’s time in Houston could be over. He remained an elite hitter, though he no longer hits for much power. Brantley was batting .288 with 14 doubles, five homers and 26 RBIs and a .785 OPS in 64 games as the Astros’ primary starting left fielder, and he had a huge presence. Since Brantley’s last game of the season June 26, Chas McCormick and Aledmys Díaz have gotten most of the playing time in left.

“Michael’s a big part of this club, not only on the field but a big part of the club in the clubhouse and the dugout and on the planes. They don’t call him ‘Uncle Mike’ for nothing. He’ll be gone for a couple of weeks to try to not bump or reinjure that shoulder. I urged him, and he wants to come around as soon as he can and be part of this club,” Manager Dusty Baker said.

Why bet on the Chicago White Sox?

Kopech (4-8, 3.18 ERA) is a former reliever who also has had Tommy John surgery, so the White Sox are closely monitoring his innings in his first year as a full-time starter. Kopech tried to convince Manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Ethan Katz to at least pitch the seventh inning, but that was a no-go after 85 pitches. He didn’t even get the win. Kopech allowed three walks, and all the balls hit into play by the Tigers were handled cleanly by Chicago fielders.

“I thought I had a pretty decent chance, but they didn’t want that to happen,” said Kopech. “I’m at a point in the season where I’ve thrown a lot more innings than I did last year, so they want to rest me and make sure I’m healthy here for the next one.”

Kopech reached double-digit strikeouts for the second time in his career, with the first occurring April 25, 2021, when he struck out 10 against the Texas Rangers. The team’s no-hit bid ended when Javier Báez led off the seventh with a single to right-center. La Russa said the decision was his, but he admired his starter’s moxie.

“That’s as far as he should have gone,” La Russa said. But if you think I’m old school, I’m really new school. I would change the definition of a win. If we win the game, he’s got to get the win. I was aware where it was. I knew it wouldn’t be popular, but I don’t want to have regrets.”

Kopech lost in Houston on June 19, allowing four runs and seven hits over five innings.

Astros vs. White Sox Betting Trends

• Astros are 4-2 SU in the last 6 games.
• Astros are 1-4 SU in the last 5 games on the road.
• The total went under in 5 of Houston’s last 7 games against an opponent in the American League Central Division.
• White Sox are 5-0 SU in the last 5 games.
• White Sox are 7-0 SU in the last 7 games at home.
• The total went under in 4 of Chi White Sox’s last 6 games played on a Wednesday.

Astros vs. White Sox Betting Prediction

Astros 4, White Sox 3.

Feel free to browse sports betting guides. While you are at it, go ahead and check out all the latest MLB betting odds and more in our online crypto sportsbook.