Boston Red Sox vs Houston Astros: MLB Pregame Analysis and Predictions

Series Overview

The Matchup

The Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros are set to face off in a crucial American League Division Series matchup. The best-of-five series begins on Tuesday, October 10, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

The Red Sox won the AL East with a 92-70 record, while the Astros won the AL West with a 106-56 record, the best record in the American League.

Pitching Matchup

The Red Sox are expected to start left-hander Chris Sale in Game 1, while the Astros are expected to start right-hander Justin Verlander.

• Sale went 12-4 with a 3.16 ERA in 25 starts this season.
• Verlander went 18-4 with a 1.84 ERA in 33 starts this season.

Pregame Analysis

Red Sox Outlook

The Red Sox have a strong offense led by Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and J.D. Martinez. They also have a solid bullpen, led by Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier.

The Red Sox's biggest weakness is their starting pitching. Sale is a top-tier pitcher, but the rest of the rotation is not as strong.

Astros Outlook

The Astros have a deep and talented team. They have a strong offense led by Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Yordan Alvarez. They also have a strong bullpen, led by Ryan Pressly and Hector Neris.

The Astros' biggest weakness is their starting pitching. Verlander is a top-tier pitcher, but the rest of the rotation is not as strong.

Predictions

Who will win?

The Astros are the favorites to win the series. They have a better overall team and a better starting pitching rotation.

Series Length

The series is likely to go the full five games. The Red Sox are a tough team to beat, but the Astros have the home-field advantage and the better team.