Arizona Diamondbacks vs Houston Astros Prediction & Betting Tips - MLB

Prediction published on 30/09/2023, 08:36  by Joseph King | Modified on 30/09/2023 at 08:36 in MLB Predictions

Two teams looking to hold on to their Wild Card positions will face off as the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Houston Astros on Saturday. Arizona are second in the NL West while Houston are second in the AL West with just two games remaining in the regular season. The Diamondbacks can secure their spot in the postseason with a win in this game as their magic number currently sits at one.  They currently hold a 1.5 game lead over both the Reds and the Cubs for the final two Wild Card slots. The Diamondbacks will have to snap out of a two-game losing streak if they are to clinch their spot in the postseason. The 2003 World Series champions are coming off a 2-1 away loss to the Astros in the first of their three-game series. They’ll start this game with Merrill Kelly on the mound who is 12-7 on the year with a 3.38 ERA.

The Astros still have a shot at winning the division as they trail the Rangers by only a single game with two games remaining. With Texas and Seattle facing off, there is a decent shot that Houston can overtake the Rangers if they are able to win out. Houston come into this matchup with Arizona riding a two-game winning streak. They’ve been one of the best road teams in the league this season with 49 wins in 79 trips compared to just 39 home wins. If the season were to end today, the Astros would qualify for the postseason with the third and final Wild Card spot. They hold a one game lead over the Mariners in that respect coming into the final two days of the regular season. The visitors will send out Justin Verlander for this game with the 40-year-old sporting a 12-8 record on the year with a 3.32 ERA.