Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays 4/24/23

In Monday night MLB action, the Houston Astros will invade Tropicana Field to try to cool off the sizzling Tampa Bay Rays. The World Series Champion Astros (12-10) have reeled off four straight victories and trail AL West Division leading Texas by 2.5 games. On Sunday, Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez drove in two runs each to lead Houston to a 5-2 road victory against Atlanta.

Twenty-seven year old righty Jose Urquidy (1-1 3.66 ERA) will head to the hill for the Astros in this contest. Last time out, Urquidy was tagged for seven hits and four runs during a 4-2 home loss versus Toronto. 

The Tampa Bay Rays have won 13 straight home games to start the season and hold a 4.5 game lead over Baltimore for AL East Division supremacy. On Sunday, OF Luke Raley extended Tampa Bay’s home run streak to 22 games during a 4-1 home victory versus the Chicago White Sox. SP Zach Eflin (3-0) allowed one run in five innings to earn the win for the Rays, who improved to a major league best 19-3 overall.

Rookie right-hander Taj Bradley (2-0 2.61 ERA) will make his third career major league start for the Rays. Last time out, Bradley (5.1 IP) fanned nine batters and allowed just three hits during a comfortable 10-0 road victory against Cincinnati. 

Houston 2B Jose Altuve remains sidelined with a right thumb fracture and hopes to be back by the end of next month. Through 22 games, Houston ranks 16th in OPS and 7th in runs scored. For the season, Tampa Bay ranks 1st in OPS and 1st in runs scored. With two talented pitchers on the bump, take the under. Final Score Prediction, Tampa Bay Rays win 4-2.