Keagan Smith gives you a preview, prediction and pick for today’s game between the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies on Tuesday’s MLB slate.
We’re officially entering the third week of the MLB season, meaning we’re beginning to see statistical blips turn into trends as the sport’s pecking order comes into full focus. Last night’s game between the Houston Astros (6-5) and Colorado Rockies (4-6) didn’t disappoint as a combined 16 runs were scored by the time the dust settled. On Tuesday, these teams run it back again.
Here’s a betting prediction and pick for tonight’s Astros vs. Rockies matchup courtesy of MLB odds and lines on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Astros vs. Rockies prediction, preview
Houston Astros
The Astros are perhaps the most exciting offense in baseball, bringing an MLB-best 7.00 runs per game and 9.33 per game over their last three contests. These bats are red hot with the second-highest OPS (.888), slashing .288/.394/.494 as a team. A .205 ISO is also second in the MLB as they’re one of just two squads above .179. Their 15 homers are also tied for second, but the most impressive stat is a 0.74 BB/K ratio that paces the sport thanks to the highest BB% at 13.9% and a low K% of 18.9%. It’s a huge change from last year’s hyper-aggressive approach. However, the pitching staff poses a major problem. Ace Hunter Brown now hits the IL for multiple weeks and the team already has the third-worst ERA at 5.75 and fourth-worst WHIP at 1.58. Sure, the Astros are sixth in K% at 27.2%, but that hardly matters when you can’t limit opposing contact.
Colorado Rockies
Meanwhile, the Rockies are probably in line for another tough season, but they’ve shown an ability to scrap out wins against good teams here and there since about the midway point of 2025. They average 3.90 runs per game despite an OPS of just .641 and the worst OBP in the Majors at .280. The overall slash line of .232/.280/.361 leaves much to be desired, as does a low .129 ISO, though nine homers aren’t horrible at this stage. The major problems are the approach at the dish, which includes the second-worst K% at 29.5% and the MLB’s worst BB% at a paltry 6.0%. What does that equate to? Just an 0.20 BB/K ratio, also at the bottom of the sport. Pitching isn’t a strength for this roster either with a 4.21 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, also falling 24th with a K% of 20.6%.
Tonight’s starting pitchers
For Houston, RHP Mike Burrows takes the mound with a 5.91 ERA and 1.78 WHIP, plus 12 punchouts in 10.2 IP. He’s really struggled in his first two starts with the team after giving up five earned runs on two hits in his debut before five hits, three walks and two earned runs in 5.0 innings during his second go. However, the club clearly sees upside in his profile.
The Rockies are set to start LHP Kyle Freland, who has a 2.89 ERA and 1.39 WHIP through his first two appearances of 2026. He’s struck out eight batters in his 9.1 innings. He pitched 4.1 innings in his opener with two earned runs allowed on five hits and a pair of walks, but looked better in his second game with five allowed hits, two walks, one earned run and six strikeouts in his second.
Astros vs. Rockies pick, best bet
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Astros as -168 ML favorites. The Rockies are behind at +139 odds to win outright. The run total sits at 11 combined runs between these sides.
Best Bet: HOU Astros over 5.5 runs (-135)
Collectively, the Astros have a .284/.367/.497 slash line against lefties with an .864 OPS. That’s somehow the lesser of their two splits. Freeland has looked solid this season but had a 4.98 ERA and 1.42 WHIP last season with a seventh-percentile average exit velocity and 30th-percentile barrel rate. The visitors may tee off on the southpaw at this hitter-friendly ballpark, and while the Rockies’ bullpen has performed admirably at 12th in ERA, this Astros lineup is one of the best in the sport.
