MLB picks: Angels vs. Astros, Phillies vs. Rockies

We scoured a jam-packed Friday night MLB slate and came up with our two best bets for the evening!

First we’ll look at an AL West matchup between the Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros. Then we head to the “Mile High City” for a showdown between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Colorado Rockies.

Los Angeles Angels (9-8) at Houston Astros (8-10), 8:10 p.m. ET

It’s a tough call between the Angels and Astros at Minute Maid Park on Friday night, but bettors can be sure that Andrew Heaney and Zack Greinke will trade zeroes early in this one.

Heaney has allowed only two runs and 10 baserunners in his last 11 1/3 innings of work while striking out 15. He’s done well against Houston in the past, limiting Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa to 8-for-32 (.250) combined with no home runs allowed.

The Astros were slumping badly going into this series (1-9 last 10 games), and had produced three runs or fewer in four straight games prior to Thursday’s 8-2 victory.

Greinke has tossed three quality starts in his first four appearances of 2021. That includes seven innings of two-run baseball against L.A. on April 6. The Angels have plated four runs or fewer in four of their last six games.

Bettors would be wise to steer clear of these bullpens, as this game has the potential to get ugly late. L.A. is 24th in ERA over the last two weeks (5.59), while Houston is 28th (6.05).

MLB pick: Under 4.5 runs first five innings (-125)

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Philadelphia Phillies (9-9) at Colorado Rockies (6-12), 8:40 p.m. ET

The Rockies have begun very slowly in 2021, but they appear to be building some momentum and can take advantage of that against the visiting Phillies on Friday night.

German Marquez starts for Colorado, and two of his first three outings at Coors Field this year have been quality starts. The lone exception was a four-inning appearance on Opening Day, likely restricted by a conservative pitch count.

Opponents have found it difficult to score on the Rockies recently, with the Mets and Astros combining for just 13 runs over a five-game span.

Meanwhile, Vince Velazquez makes a spot start for Philadelphia here. He’s not fared well against Colorado’s two best hitters in Charlie Blackmon and Trevor Story, allowing them to go 10-for-33 (.303) combined with two home runs and six RBI.

Velazquez will be backed by a Phillies bullpen that’s rapidly regressed following a flying start to the season – their 5.66 ERA over the last two weeks is fifth-worst in the majors.

Trend bettors should note that the Rockies are 62-29 in their last 91 games as a home favorite.

MLB pick: Rockies -121