Baltimore Orioles at Houston Astros 8/26/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Baltimore Orioles open a three-game series on the road Friday against the Houston Astros. Baltimore is 64-59 following its 5-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. The Orioles are fourth in the American League East, 11 ½ games behind the first-place New York Yankees and are fourth in the AL wildcard chase, 2 ½ games behind Toronto, holders of the second and final spot. Look who else is leading their division and playoff battle with our free baseball previews.

Center fielder Cedric Mullins is batting .267 to lead Baltimore and has a team high 125 hits. Right fielder Anthony Santander is the leader in home runs with 21, RBIs with 68 and on-base percentage at .337. On Friday, the Baltimore Orioles will send Kyle Bradish to the mound. The right-hander is 1-5 with a 6.25 ERA, 73 Ks and 27 BBs.

Houston improved to 80-45 following its 5-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. Jose Altuve led off the game with a home run and Trey Mancini added a two-run homer for the Astros. Houston has won three straight and the Astros lead in the American League West by 12 ½ games over the second-place Seattle Mariners.

Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez is batting  .297 and has team highs in home runs with 31 and on-base percentage at .401. Right fielder Kyle Tucker is the leader in RBIs with 82 and third baseman Alex Bregman is the leader in hits with 114. On Friday, the Houston Astros will send Lance McCullers Jr to the mound. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA, 11 Ks and 7 BBs.