White Sox at Astros odds, picks and predictions

The Chicago White Sox (23-45) and the Houston Astros (37-30) play the second game of a 3-game series Thursday. First pitch from Daikin Park in Houston is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the White Sox vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: White Sox lead 3-2

The Astros beat the White Sox 10-2 as -164 home favorites in the Wednesday opener with the Over (8.5) cashing. 1B Christian Walker went 3-for-4 with a season-high 4 RBIs, including a 2-run homer in the first inning that gave the Astros an early 3-0 lead in a wire-to-wire win.

White Sox 2B Josh Rojas had 2 hits Wednesday and scored on a groundout to second by RF Mike Tauchman in the fifth inning. Despite the loss, Chicago has won 5 of its last 8 games.

White Sox at Astros projected starters

RHP Davis Martin vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Martin (2-6, 3.62 ERA) makes his 13th start and 14th appearance. He has a 1.21 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 5.8 K/9 through 74 2/3 innings.

• Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 7 K in 7-2 home victory over Kansas City Royals Friday
• 2025 road stats: 1-4, 4.36 ERA (33 IP, 16 ER), 1.30 WHIP, 5.5 K/9 in 5 starts and 1 relief appearance
• Career vs. Astros: 1 home start (May 3), no-decision, 5 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 8-3 defeat

Valdez (6-4, 3.07 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.06 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9 through 85 innings.

• Last start: Win, 7 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, season-high 11 K in 8-2 victory at Pittsburgh Pirates last Thursday (June 5)
• 2025 home stats: 3-1, 2.20 ERA (41 IP, 10 ER), 1.05 WHIP, 7.9 K/9 in 6 starts
• 2025 vs. White Sox: 1 road start (May 2), loss, 5 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 7-3 defeat
• Career vs. White Sox (regular season): 4-3, 2.94 ERA (52 IP, 17 ER), 1.23 WHIP, 8.3 K/9 in 8 starts and 1 relief appearance

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White Sox at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:28 p.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): White Sox +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Astros -235 (bet $235 to win $100)
• Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): White Sox +1.5 (-105) | Astros -1.5 (-115)
• Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -102 | U: -118)

White Sox at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, White Sox 2

It’s unlikely that the Astros (-235) will lose Thursday, especially with Valdez having already lost to the White Sox this season. Since Houston is expected to win by a comfortable margin, the better play is the run line at plus money.

PASS on the ML.

Houston has won 4 of its last 6 games — and 5 of its last 8 contests — by multiple runs. The Astros have also handled the White Sox convincingly in recent victories, with each of their last 6 wins over Chicago coming by at least 2 runs. With a clear edge on the mound, expect Houston to build on its series-opening win and cover the run line again Thursday.

BET ASTROS -1.5 (+100).

The Under has cashed in 4 of Valdez’s last 5 starts, with the Astros left-hander allowing just 1 earned run in 4 of his last 6 outings. On the other side, Martin has been solid as well, surrendering 2 earned runs or fewer in 4 of his last 5 starts. If Martin can keep pace with Valdez, this will likely be a low-scoring affair.

BET UNDER 7.5 (-118).

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