Astros vs. Padres: Game 1 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 16, MLB 2024

On Monday, the Astros and Padres will kick off a three-game set in Southern California. With both teams looking poised to make the postseason, each side will look to stay the course with under two weeks to go in the regular season.

For Houston, this series will represent the final inter-league affair of the season. Meanwhile, the Friars will follow this series up with a clash against the White Sox before finishing up their season with back-to-back series against the Dodgers and D-Backs.

Astros vs Padres recent form and records

On account of their 81-68 record, the Houston Astros enjoy a 4.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the AL West. 6-4 over their last ten, manager Joe Espada's team is coming off of a clean, three-game sweep of the Angels over the weekend.

The Padres remain very competitive. Despite trailing the Dodgers by 3.5 games in the NL West, San Diego's 83-65 record lands them in the first NL Wild Card spot, where they tout a 1.5-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks. 6-4 in their last ten, the Padres swept the Giants over the weekend.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

HOU: Spencer Arrighetti (7-12, 4.72 ERA) vs SD: Yu Darvish (5-3, 3.52 ERA)

Arrighetti has a 1.420 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9 and 158 K in 131.2 IP.

Last Start: ND, 6.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K vs OAK

Career vs SD: N/A

Darvish has a 1.141 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 62 K in 64 IP.

Last Start: Win, 5 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K vs SEA

Career vs HOU: 5-5 3.64 ERA (94 IP, 38 ER) 11 HR in 15 Games

Must-Watch Hitters

Astros

Over his past 13 games, Yordan Alvarez has 13 RBIs, which is tied with Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies for the most in MLB in that period. 14 for his last 52, Alvarez is a career .652 hitter against San Diego, owning a homer and 4 RBIs in four career games against the club.

"Yordan Alvarez provides some insurance with home run No. 33" - MLB

An even .300 hitter over the past two weeks, Jason Heyward is starting to show signs of promise with his new team. Coming into Monday, the veteran outfielder has 2 home runs and 4 RBIs in his last three games.

First baseman Jon Singleton is 5-for-9 over his past three games, with two doubles in that period of time. Watch out for the big first baseman to make an impact.

Padres

In his 11 games since returning from the IL, Fernando Tatis Jr. has been on fire. The 25-year-old now has 4 home runs and 9 RBIs during that time, while amassing a .295 batting average.

"Fernando Tatis is incredible. This is the only pitch he has seen today. Friars lead late" - San Diego Padres

Luis Arraez continues to be one of the best pickups for the Padres this season. Since arriving via a trade with the Miami Marlins in May, the Venezuelan has hit .327, and has hit .478 with an OPS of 1.085 over his past five games.

Although he has hit just .158 over the past week, shortstop Xander Bogaerts is showing signs of improvement amid his injury-plagued season. Reassuringly for Padres fans, Bogaerts is a career .291 hitter against Houston.

Astros vs Padres baseball betting odds

Monday 16/11	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Houston Astros	+ 120	+ 1.5 -190	O 8 -105
San Diego Padres	- 140	- 1.5 +155	U 8 -115

Astros vs Padres expert picks and game prediction

Over the recent stretch, both the Astros and Padres have put up similar offensive numbers. Additionally, both clubs posted sweeps against their respective opponents over the weekend.

When it comes to pitching, San Diego has the edge. In fact, over the past week, the club's 1.60 combined ERA ranks behind only the Cleveland Guardians for the lowest in MLB. Additionally, Yu Darvish has experience against Houston while Spencer Arrighetti will see San Diego for the first time in his career.

Run Line: -1.5 +155

Total Runs: U 8 -115

Prediction: Padres W, 7-6