Because of the new schedule setup around Major League Baseball where teams play all 29 other teams in at least one series each, the AL West rival Mariners and Astros haven’t played yet this year in Houston. That changes on Thursday in a stellar pitching matchup.

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

Mariners vs. Astros Game Information

Feeling good, how 'bout you? pic.twitter.com/YzZ2NZRtqR

— Houston Astros (@astros) July 5, 2023

• When: Thursday, July 6, 2023, 6:10 PM ET
• Where: Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
• TV: RSNW, ATTH
• Radio: KIRO 710 AM (Mariners) // KBME 790 AM (Astros)
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Odds: Mariners (+128) // Astros (-152)

READ MORE: Mets vs. Diamondbacks MLB Odds, Preview and Prediction – July 5, 2023

Why bet on the Seattle Mariners?

Seattle has shut down good-looking pitcher Bryce Miller for now. Miller, who was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday with a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand, is “not going to pitch for a while” according to manager Scott Servais. The M’s have a strict innings limit for their top pitching prospect, so the injury is almost a blessing in disguise.

Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez, the 2022 AL Rookie of the Year, will compete in the Home Run Derby next Monday at T-Mobile Park. Rodriguez hit a contest-high 81 home runs in last year’s event at Dodger Stadium, finishing in 2nd place to Juan Soto. Rodriguez will be the first Mariners player to appear in the event in back-to-back years since Ken Griffey Jr. did it in 3 consecutive seasons (1997-99), winning the contest in both the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Rodríguez was named to the American League All-Star squad on Tuesday as an injury replacement for Houston’s Alvarez.

It’s stellar young right-hander George Kirby (7-7) on the mound Thursday. Kirby allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out seven over seven innings to earn the win Saturday over the Rays. Kirby didn’t allow a hit until the sixth inning, when he gave up a double to Yandy Diaz and a home run to Luke Raley.

It was Kirby’s fourth consecutive quality start and first time he’s walked multiple batters in a start this year. The right-hander has allowed nine runs (seven earned) over 26.1 innings in that span. For the season, he owns a 3.21 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 86:9 K:BB through 101 innings across 16 starts.

Kirby faced Houston once as a rookie last year and didn’t get a decision after allowing two runs over four innings with seven strikeouts. Houston’s Tucker is 3-for-5 off Kirby with an RBI.

Why bet on the Houston Astros?

Houston played the first several weeks of this season without All-Star second baseman and future Hall of Famer Jose Altuve due to injury, and now he’s hurt again. Altuve was having an MRI on Wednesday after sitting out Tuesday’s game with left oblique discomfort. Mauricio Dubón would return to an every-day role at second and at leadoff if Altuve has to go back to the IL.

Houston is still without slugger Yordan Alvarez, who won’t be back until after the All-Star break. Alvarez, outfielder Kyle Tucker and starting pitcher Framber Valdez were named AL All-Stars – although Alvarez won’t play. Houston’s Dusty Baker will manage the AL along with his entire coaching staff.

The Astros have hit eight grand slams this season, which matches the Dodgers for the most in the Majors. Their eight grand slams also matches their season totals in 2021 and 2022 and is just three shies of the franchise record, which stands at 11, set in 2019. Alex Bregman leads all Major Leaguers with three grand slams this season and now has seven in his career, which ties the franchise’s career record, also reached by Altuve and Carlos Lee.

Valdez, 29, is 7-6 with a 2.49 ERA and 1.05 WHIP through 16 starts, including a shutout of the A’s. In 105 innings, he’s allowed 86 hits, 24 walks and struck out 110 batters. He leads AL in ERA and is third in innings pitched and seventh in strikeouts. Valdez last pitched on June 27 and took a loss after allowing four runs in six innings against the Cardinals.

It was his first time since May 15 allowing at least four runs. Valdez apparently sprained his right ankle during a June 20 start against the Mets, and the issue impacted his performance against the Cardinals. He was originally set to pitch again Sunday but pushed back to make sure the ankle is healed. Valdez hasn’t faced Seattle this year, and was 1-0 with a 3.95 ERA in two starts against the Mariners last year.

Mariners vs. Astros Betting Trends

• Mets are 1-5 in the last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Mets are 5-2 in its last 7 during game 2 of a series.
• The total went over in 9 of Seattle’s last 13 games.
• Diamondbacks are 11-5 in the last 16 Wednesday games.
• Diamondbacks are 3-7 in its last 10 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• The total wenrt under in 4 of Houston’s last 6 games.

Mariners vs. Astros Betting Prediction

Astros 4, Mariners 3.

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