Astros vs. Orioles prediction and odds for Wednesday, Aug. 9 (O’s even series)

The Baltimore Orioles dropped their series opener with the Houston Astros on Tuesday night, but they’ll have a chance to bounce back at home on Wednesday.

Trade deadline acquisition Jack Flaherty (8-6, 4.28 ERA) will make his second start with the O’s after tossing six innings of one-run ball in his team debut earlier this month. 

He takes on Houston Astros righty Cristian Javier (7-2, 4.39 ERA), who has struggled a bit recently. 

The Astros are looking to get back in the mix for the AL West crown, as they’re still three games back of Texas. 

Let’s break down the odds and my best bet for this matchup: 

Astros vs. Orioles odds, run line and total

Astros vs. Orioles prediction and pick

Iain MacMillan and I broke down this game on a recent episode of the Baseball Insiders (Betting Edition), and I love the O’s to win this game. 

Javier has really struggled as of late, posting a 6.66 ERA since the start of July. Even when you go back to the start of June, Javier has been widely ineffective, pitching to a 6.24 ERA and 5.41 FIP since then. 

That’s going to make things tough against a solid (and young) Orioles offense, especially if Flaherty keeps pitching well. 

While the righty is prone to a blowup game, he has been solid since July 1, posting a 2.78 ERA in six starts including his gem in his first start as an Oriole.

I also trust Baltimore’s bullpen, despite some issues on Tuesday night. The team is sixth in MLB in bullpen ERA at 3.63 this season. 

This is a great spot to back the O’s and fade a struggling Javier. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.