Minnesota Twins vs. Houston Astros: Odds, Analysis, MLB Betting Pick

The Houston Astros (60-29) begin the second half of the season by hosting the Minnesota Twins (45-43) as big favorites for Friday's series opener at online sports betting sites.

The Astros were the most consistently good team in the first half, and they own a commanding 18.5-game lead atop the American League West.

Betting line: The Astros opened as -162 favorites (wager $162 to win $100); the total is at nine runs, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report.)

MLB betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 7.9-3.1, Astros (MLB picks on every game)

Why the Twins can pay on the MLB lines

Minnesota is obviously in a much different position than Houston following the MLB All-Star break, chasing the AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians for the division title. But the Twins are only 2.5 games back of the Indians in second place despite getting outscored by a combined 60 runs in their first 88 games.

The biggest positive for Minnesota has been its play away from home, posting an impressive 25-15 road mark.

Why the Astros can pay on the MLB lines

The hardest part for the Astros over the next couple months will be staying healthy and motivated with such a big divisional lead. They have the talent to win the World Series and do not need to duplicate their first-half success to get there.

In this game, righty Charlie Morton (6-3, 3.82 ERA) will toe the rubber and try to build on a solid outing at the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing one run and four hits in six innings of a 12-2 victory. Morton had seen Houston lose in his previous two starts at home.

Smart betting pick

Morton has been pretty good for the Astros, but his counterpart Jose Berrios (8-2, 3.53) has been even better for the Twins. Berrios is 5-1 in his past seven starts, allowing just two runs in four of them. The 23-year-old righty has struggled a bit on the road, although he is still 4-1 despite a lofty 4.17 ERA. The extra time off due to the break should only help him, and Minnesota clearly has more on the line.

While Houston appears to be an easy pick here, consider a play on the underdog. The Twins are 8-4 in their last 12 road games vs. AL West opponents, according to the OddsShark MLB Database.

MLB betting trends

Minnesota is 1-4 in its last five games on the road.

Minnesota is 0-5 in its last five games against Houston.

Houston is 6-2 in its last eight games.

All MLB lines and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, OddsShark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and the OddsShark YouTube page for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.