The Houston Astros (78-80) and the A's (63-95) open a 4-game AL West series Thursday at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze MLB odds around the Astros vs. A's odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: A's lead 5-4
After a 7-0 win Tuesday, the Astros suffered a 6-5 loss as slight underdogs (+108) Wednesday as the Over (7.5) cashed. Houston and the Texas Rangers are tied for the division lead with 4 games left to play. The Astros are 23-25 inside the AL West.
Houston is 1-4 in the past 5 games, and 3-8 across the previous 11 outings. The Over is 2-1-1 in the past 4 games. However, in the past 3 starts by RHP Peter Lambert, the Under
is 2-0-1 for the Astros.
The A's have been eliminated for a long time, as it is 15 games back of Houston. The A's are 27-21 inside the division, however.
The A's swept a 2-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, winning 9-7 Tuesday and then 7-3 Wednesday as short dogs (+118) as the Over (9) cashed. The 2 wins come on the heels of a 6-game losing streak, while the Over is 4-1-1 in the past 6 outings. The Over is also 7-3-1 across the past 11 contests, too.
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Astros at A's projected starters
RHP Peter Lambert vs. RHP Mason Barnett
Lambert (8-10, 3.70 ERA) makes his 28th start. He has a 1.23 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9, 8.8 K/9 in 151 innings.
- Last start: Loss, 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 1 HR, 1 BB, 6 K in 6-2 home loss vs. Atlanta Braves Friday
- September 2026 splits (3 starts): 0-3, 3.93 ERA (18 1/3 IP, 8 ER), 2 HR, 1 BB, 16 K
- 2026 road splits (10 starts): 3-3, 3.17 ERA (54 IP, 19 ER), 1.30 WHIP, 6 HR, 21 BB, 53 K
- Career vs. A's (1 start, 2 appearances): 1-1, 3.00 ERA (6 IP, 2 ER), 2.17 WHIP, 6 BB, 5 K, 7.5 K/9
Barnett (1-4, 7.16 ERA) makes his 6th start (20th appearance). He has a 1.75 WHIP, 5.7 BB/9, 8.6 K/9 in 44 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 3 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 4 BB, 4 K in 5-3 loss at Cleveland Guardians Friday
- Last 7 games (5 starts): 0-4, 10.27 ERA (23 2/3 IP, 27 ER), 2.20 WHIP, 17 BB, 21 K
- 2026/career vs. Astros (1 relief appearance): No-decision, 4 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 7 K in 5-1 road loss June 5
Astros at A's odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:57 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Astros -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | A's +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (-102) | A's +1.5 (-118)
- Over/Under (O/U): 11 (O: -118 | U: -102)
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Astros at A's picks and predictions
Prediction
A's 7, Astros 6
Moneyline
The A's (+135) are worth a look as moderate underdogs at home.
Lambert has struggled lately, losing his past 3 starts in September. Houston is still in the hunt for the AL West title, but neither the Rangers nor Astros seem keen on winning it.
Run line/Against the spread
If you just can't take the home team straight up, A's +1.5 (-118) is not priced out of line if you'd like a little insurance.
You'd think Houston would have a lot more incentive with a playoff spot still within reach, but the A's are playing better this week, sweeping the Angels. They've been a huge thorn in the side of the Astros, too.
Over/Under
OVER 11 (-118) is the lean, but roll with a half-unit play at best.
The Over is 2-1-1 in the past 4 games for the Astros. The A's have hit the Over at a 4-1-1 clip in the past 6 outings, and they're averaging 8.0 runs per game (RPG) in the past 3 home games.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow Daniel Dobish on X at @danieledobish. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Houston Astros at A's odds, picks and predictions
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