Pittsburgh Pirates vs Houston Astros Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 7/31/24, 12:42 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 7/31/24 at 1:43 PM in MLB Picks

For the first time in many years, the Pirates positioned themselves as buyers, not sellers, in the middle of the season. They strengthened themselves and did well by adding key pieces to their bullpen like Walker and Beeks, acquiring the always versatile Kiner-Falefa and a good bat from the Marlins, De la Cruz.

The Pirates and Astros have exactly the same record at 55-52, but Piartes seemed to find a way to silence the Astros offense at Minute Maid Park. Despite the Astros' 10 hits in Tuesday's game, they were only able to score two runs, struck out seven times and left 14 runners on base.

The Pirates bullpen, with a 4.27 ERA, is Shelton's main concern and if it is improved with the acquisitions, this team could be the surprise of the 2024 season. However, in the series in Houston the bullpen looked good and between Santana, Nicolas and Stratton they pitched 3.2 innings, striking out 4, not allowing runs and closing the door on the Astros.

It will not be easy to sweep the Astros since Valdez will open the game on Wednesday. The Dominican has a record of 9-5 with a 3.43 ERA. In his last start against the Dodgers he matched his personal record this season in strikeouts, striking out 10 Dodgers and adding 26 strikeouts in his last 19 innings. It is not a minor fact that the Astros have won in the last 5 games that Valdez started.