Yankees vs. Astros odds, prediction: underdog Astros in good spot

On Thursday night, the Astros suffered a crushing loss to the Yankees after taking a 6-3 lead into the ninth inning. Yankees left fielder Aaron Hicks tied the game with a three-run home run before Aaron Judge sent everyone home with a walk-off single.

It was a surprising performance for an Astros bullpen that entered the game with the fewest blown saves (3) in the majors.

Houston will try to bounce back Friday with ace Justin Verlander on the mound. The Yankees will counter with a right-hander of their own as Luis Severino gets the nod.

The BetMGM Logo

Claim a Risk-Free First Bet up to $1,000

New customers only. Must be 21+. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY only. Full T&C apply.

Caesars Sportsbook Logo Square

Up To $1500 Risk Free First Bet

New users only, 21 or older. NY, CO, DC, IA, IN, IL, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV only. Full T&Cs apply.

The WynnBet Logo

Bet $50 Get $200 in Free Bets

21+. New customers only. NY, AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV only. T&C apply

The BetRivers Logo

100% First Deposit Match up to $250 with promo code NYPBONUS

New players only, 21+. NY, NJ, MI, AZ, VA only. In order to participate in this promotion, the player needs to make a first deposit (of at least $10). Full T&C apply.

FanDuel Logo Square

$1000 No Sweat First Bet

21+. New customers only. AZ, CT, IA, IL, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WV, WY only. T&C apply

Bet $20, Get $100 in Free Bets

21+. New customers only. CO & VA Only. T&Cs apply.

Risk Free Bet Up to $1000 + One Free Month of Fubo TV

New users only, 21 or older. Available in IA, AZ only. Full T&C apply.

Bet $1 Get $200 in Bet Credits with NYP365

21+. New customers only. NJ only. Full T&C apply.

Bet $20, Get $100 in Free Bets

21+; New Customers only. NJ &; PA only. Full T&Cs apply.

Get a $250 First Deposit Match

21+, New Customers Only. NJ and CT only. Full T&Cs apply.

SuperBook Sports Logo

100% Deposit Match Up to $500

New users only, 21+. Offer available in CO only. Full T&C apply.

New York is on a historic run with 15 straight wins at home. However, if there was ever a spot to fade the Yankees, it might make sense to do it when they’re coming off the high of such a euphoric win.

We’ll look at the matchup and assess whether there’s any contrarian value to be had with the Astros.

Astros vs. Yankees MLB odds

Odds provided by BetMGM

Spread: NYM +1.5 (-190) vs. HOU-1.5 (+155)

Moneyline: NYM (+110) vs. HOU (-130)

Total: Over 7.5 (-105) | Under 7.5 (-115)

Astros vs. Yankees probable pitchers

Justin Verlander (2.30) vs. Luis Severino (3.27)

There’s no question that the Yankees are on a tear after winning 52 of 70 games this season. To put things into context, it’s the third-best mark through 70 games in the majors since 1930. Yet, somehow the Yankees (+475) still trail the Dodgers (+400) as favorites to win the World Series title.

Perhaps the thinking is that it’s unlikely that the Yankees can maintain this pace. I agree with that reasoning, as even their Pythagorean expectation points to a slight regression from their current win percentage (.743).

Thus, Friday’s matchup against Verlander is an excellent spot to consider fading the Yankees.

Verlander comes into this game 8-3 with a 2.30 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 13 starts. While his advanced stats point to some regression — given his 3.40 FIP and 3.41 xFIP — those numbers would still be considered above average.

As for Severino, he’s 4-1 with a 3.27 ERA and 1.06 WHIP through 12 starts. His advanced numbers are also in line with his traditional ERA, evidenced by a 3.72 FIP and 3.23 xFIP.

Luis Severino reacts during the Yankees' win over the Cubs.
Luis Severino reacts during the Yankees’ win over the Cubs.
Robert Sabo for the NY POST

Moreover, since neither pitcher is signaling much of a decline using their predictive numbers, I took a look at their batter vs. pitcher splits against the opposing team.

In 197 plate appearances against Verlander, New York’s lineup has a .174 BA with a .245 wOBA. In contrast, Houston’s lineup has a .268 BA with a .308 wOBA in 89 appearances against Severino.

Even with Houston’s meltdown on Thursday, I still think it has the best bullpen in baseball. It’s now tied for the fewest blown saves (4) and also leads the majors with a 2.68 bullpen ERA. As a result, I like its value as a short underdog in this contest.

It’s also worth noting that the Astros are 3-1 in Verlander’s starts against the Yankees, including three straight victories.


Find out more about New York sports betting


Furthermore, I examined Houston’s numbers off a loss after blowing a lead of two or more runs in the ninth inning. The SpoDevs.com database shows only two instances, and the Astros are 2-0 in this spot.

One of those games was even against the Yankees, which included Verlander as the starter. That could be a foreshadowing of what we’ll see on Friday night. 

Astros vs. Yankees Best Bet

Astros Moneyline (+110) — BetMGM

source: nypost.com