Miguel Vargas (CHW) Under 1.5 Total Bases (-154)

Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing

As the Chicago White Sox take on the Houston Astros, all eyes will be on Miguel Vargas, but betting on him to go over 1.5 total bases may not be the wisest play. Vargas has been struggling with consistency at the plate, and against a formidable Astros pitching staff, his chances of racking up extra-base hits diminish significantly. With the White Sox’s offense ranking near the bottom in terms of slugging percentage, Vargas faces a tough matchup against an Astros rotation that has been tough to crack. The Astros have excelled against lefties, and Vargas’s recent performance against southpaws hasn’t exactly inspired confidence. Given the numbers, model predictions suggest he’s likely to finish the game with fewer than 1.5 total bases. Expect Vargas to have a hard time finding gaps against a disciplined Houston pitching staff, making the under a compelling bet for this matchup.

Isaac Paredes (NA) Under 1.5 Total Bases (-192)

Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing

As the Chicago White Sox face off against the Houston Astros, all eyes will be on Isaac Paredes, but betting on him to go over 1.5 total bases might not be the best call. Paredes has recently struggled against right-handed pitching, and with Astros starter Cristian Javier on the mound, he’ll be up against a pitcher who excels in limiting hard contact. Javier boasts a solid strikeout rate and a low opposing batting average, which could stifle Paredes's opportunities. Additionally, the White Sox lineup has been inconsistent, struggling to generate runs lately. With Paredes averaging less than a hit per game in recent matchups, the under on his total bases is not just a hunch; it's backed by solid trends. Given the situation, Paredes hitting under 1.5 total bases seems like a savvy play in this matchup.

Jose Altuve (HOU) Under 1.5 Total Bases (-200)

Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing

As the Chicago White Sox host the Houston Astros, all eyes will be on Jose Altuve, but betting on him to go over 1.5 total bases might not be the wisest move. Altuve has been in and out of form lately, battling some inconsistencies in his swing that could limit his impact against a White Sox pitching staff that has quietly been impressive. Notably, the White Sox's recent outings have seen them keep opponents in check, particularly when facing right-handed batters. Altuve, while a seasoned vet, has seen his average dip in similar matchups, leading to fewer extra-base hits. Moreover, the Astros' lineup has struggled to hit with authority in away games, putting even more pressure on Altuve to deliver, which he might not do today. With a projected total falling under the radar, taking the under on his total bases feels like a smart play as the game unfolds.

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