Baltimore Orioles vs Houston Astros Picks and Predictions August 22nd 2025

Baltimore Orioles vs Houston Astros August 22nd 2025

The Houston Astros take on the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Astros lead the AL West with a 70-58 record. They recently won their last game and have a 4-6 record in their last 10 games.

The Orioles hold a 59-68 record, sitting fifth in the AL East. They lost their last game but have a 6-4 record in their last 10 games. The game is set for Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:05 PM, with a clear sky forecasted.

Astros vs Orioles Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles
• Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD
• Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 at 7:05 PM
• Betting Odds: Astros Moneyline -107, Orioles Moneyline -111, Astros Runline -1.5 (+149), Orioles Runline +1.5 (-182), Total Over 9.0 (-119), Total Under 9.0 (-101)

The Astros Can Win If…

The Houston Astros are coming off a strong win against the Baltimore Orioles, taking the game 7-2. Jason Alexander pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing just 2 earned runs. Jesús Sánchez had a perfect day at the plate, going 5 for 5 with 1 RBI, while Christian Walker and Yainer Diaz both hit home runs.

Houston’s batting lineup is one of their strengths, with a team batting average of .253, ranking 5th in the league. Jeremy Peña leads the team with a .306 average, while Jose Altuve provides power with 22 home runs. The Astros’ ability to generate runs and hit for power makes them a threat to any opponent.

On the mound, the Astros will start Lance McCullers Jr., who looks to improve on his current stats. The team ranks 1st in strikeouts with 1201, showing their ability to dominate opposing hitters. With a solid mix of hitting and pitching, the Astros have the tools needed to win this game.

The Orioles Can Win If…

The Baltimore Orioles are looking to bounce back after their recent 7-2 loss to the Houston Astros. Despite the defeat, the Orioles had nine hits, with Dylan Beavers hitting a home run and driving in two runs. The team showed potential at the plate, which they hope to carry into their next game.

The Orioles have a strong lineup with players like Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday leading the charge. Henderson has a batting average of .280 and has hit 15 home runs this season. The team’s ability to hit extra-base hits and home runs ranks them 11th in the league, which can be a key factor in securing a win.

Baltimore’s starting pitcher, Cade Povich, will take the mound with a 4.98 ERA. The Orioles’ pitching staff has delivered 44 quality starts this season, placing them 13th in the league. With solid pitching and a lineup capable of producing runs, the Orioles have the tools needed to win this game.

The Lean

The Astros are slightly favored with a moneyline of -107 against the Orioles at -111. The Astros have a better team batting average and a stronger pitching staff, ranking 4th in batting average against. My model projects the Astros to win with a score of 5-4. Based on these factors, the recommendation is to pick the Astros to win straight up.

The total for the game is set at 9.0, with the over at -119 and the under at -101. The Astros’ pitching ranks high, and the Orioles’ offense ranks lower in batting average. My model projects a total score of 9 runs. Given the odds and the projected score, the recommendation is to bet on the over for this game.

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Astros Look to Build Momentum After Offensive Breakthrough

The Houston Astros are aiming to replicate Thursday night’s early offensive surge when they return to action against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. After struggling to score for over a week, Houston exploded for a 7-2 victory in the series opener, scoring all of its runs in the first three innings.

Christian Walker and Yainer Diaz both went deep, while Jesus Sanchez snapped an 0-for-29 slump with a perfect 5-for-5 performance. It was a welcome outburst from a team that had managed just 12 runs across its previous eight games, including four shutouts.

Despite the win, the Astros have taken just three of their last nine games, but they remain at the top of the AL West. As they try to string together a run, savvy bettors can explore expert MLB picks to find value in the ongoing series.

Carlos Correa Stresses Positive Mindset Amid Skid

Veteran third baseman Carlos Correa, who went 2-for-5 with a two-run single on Thursday, emphasized the importance of a winning mentality in turning things around. Correa noted that recognizing shortcomings and maintaining a positive attitude will be key to returning to form.

The Astros’ ability to strike early has been crucial, and replicating that formula could be their best chance of taking the series. Bettors can follow detailed MLB previews to monitor trends like early-inning scoring patterns.

McCullers Returns to the Mound

Lance McCullers Jr. is set to start for Houston in Friday’s game after spending a month on the injured list due to a finger blister. The right-hander is 2-4 with a 6.90 ERA this season, though both wins came in road outings against the Pirates and Dodgers.

McCullers has had success against Baltimore in the past, holding a 3-0 record with a 2.90 ERA in seven career appearances (five starts). His most recent outing versus the Orioles came in August 2022, when he tossed five scoreless innings in a no-decision.

For sharp analysis on how returning pitchers impact betting lines, consult the MLB expert betting guide

Potential Bullpen Addition: Craig Kimbrel

The Astros may also receive help in the bullpen, as reports indicate that veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel could join the team in Baltimore. Kimbrel, 37, has made just one major league appearance this season—a scoreless inning with Atlanta on June 6.

Since then, he has pitched for Triple-A Round Rock in the Rangers’ system, recording five saves and a 3.86 ERA over 24 appearances. He previously pitched for the Orioles in 2024, logging 23 saves across 57 outings despite a 5.33 ERA.

Adding a seasoned arm like Kimbrel could prove valuable, especially in tight games. For those interested in premium selections, buy MLB picks from top experts for additional wagering insight.

Orioles Send Cade Povich to Counter Houston

Baltimore will turn to left-hander Cade Povich (2-6, 4.98 ERA), who last faced Houston on Saturday. In that outing, he struck out 10 while allowing three runs in five-plus innings. The Orioles eventually dropped that contest in 12 innings.

Since returning from a hip injury earlier this month, Povich has made three starts, going 0-1 with a 4.32 ERA across 16 2/3 innings. He also pitched against the Astros last August, allowing five runs in five-plus innings in a no-decision.

To track how pitchers like Povich are performing in real time, consult the most recent MLB game results

Beavers Impresses, Orioles Shuffling Lineup Amid Injuries

Thursday’s lone bright spot for the Orioles was rookie Dylan Beavers, who made his home debut in style. The 23-year-old outfielder hit his first major league home run and drove in another run on a fielder’s choice. His performance earned praise from interim manager Tony Mansolino, who noted Beavers’ recent rise through the organization.

Baltimore’s lineup is facing challenges, however. Catcher Adley Rutschman was placed on the injured list Thursday with a strained oblique. Outfielder Daniel Johnson was recalled to fill the roster spot, while third baseman Jordan Westburg remains out with an ankle injury but has yet to hit the IL.

Houston also made a roster move, placing outfielder Taylor Trammell on the IL due to a concussion and recalling infielder Brice Matthews. Trammell sustained his injury Wednesday in a collision with the outfield fence.

To see which experts are thriving during this volatile stretch of the season, check out the best MLB handicappers leaderboard

Final Thoughts

With Houston rediscovering its offensive rhythm and McCullers returning to the rotation, the Astros are positioned to take control of the series. Baltimore, meanwhile, will lean on young talent and Povich’s arm as they look to snap Houston’s momentum.

As the weekend unfolds, keep an eye on emerging trends and injuries. They could shape betting angles for the rest of this pivotal AL series. For all your betting needs, from daily picks to data-driven insights, explore the full suite of resources at ScoresAndStats.