Arizona Diamondbacks vs Houston Astros Prediction & Betting Tips - MLB

Prediction published on 01/10/2023, 04:13  by Joseph King | Modified on 01/10/2023 at 04:14 in MLB Predictions

Two playoff bound teams face off when the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Houston Astros for the final game of the 2023 MLB regular season. Despite losing their last three games, Arizona clinches the final NL Wild Card spot with their one game lead over the Cubs. The Diamondbacks will be playing for seeding as they could still overtake the Miami Marlins who they trail by just half a game. For that to happen, Arizona would have to snap out of their current losing streak and record a win over the Astros. Simultaneously, they would also need the Marlins to lose in their regular season finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Arizona fell to a 1-0 defeat to Houston on Saturday night as the offense was unable to get anything going against Verlander and the ‘Stros bullpen. The hosts look to be setting up for a bullpen day with relief pitcher Kyle Nelson listed as the starter.

Houston come into this matchup as the team with more to play for as they can still steal the division title away from the Texas Rangers. The defending champions will have to win against Arizona while also needing the Mariners to beat the Rangers. Even if this shouldn’t come to pass, the Astros are still in the playoffs so there isn’t too much pressure. They will have momentum on their side ahead of this game as the visitors have now ripped off three wins in a row and four wins from their last five. Houston have been phenomenal on the road all season and have the third best away from home record in all of baseball. They’ll start with Cristian Javier for the season finale with the 26-year-old boasting a 9-5 record on the season with a 4.73 ERA.