Pirates vs Astros Prediction MLB Picks for Today 4/12

Kingpin
Apr 11, 2023, 11:52:18 PM

Astros vs Pirates: MLB Game Preview for April 12, 2023

On April 12, 2023, the Houston Astros will face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Both teams come into this game with a 2-2 away record for the Astros and 2-2 home record for the Pirates. MLB picks experts, computer MLB picks, and MLB picks emp predictions all favor the Astros, with a 57.8% chance of winning according to analytics. However, as we know, anything can happen in baseball. The game will start at 12:35 PM and the weather will be 72 degrees in Pittsburgh. With both teams looking to gain an advantage in their respective divisions, this game will be one to keep an eye on. Stay tuned for our full-length prediction article for this exciting match-up.

Astros: Pitching Analysis

The Houston Astros have a strong pitching rotation that includes some of the best arms in the league. Experts, including MLB picks from computer and human sources, predict that the Astros will continue to dominate with their pitching. Starting pitcher Jose Urquidy, with a record of 0-0 and an ERA of 3.86, is expected to take the mound for the Astros against Pittsburgh. Urquidy has shown promise in his previous outings and is a key player in the Astros' rotation. The Astros also have a strong bullpen, with several reliable relief pitchers including Ryan Pressly and Phil Maton. With a solid pitching lineup, the Astros are expected to keep the Pirates' offense at bay and secure a win. MLB today experts are predicting a victory for the Astros, with good reason. Their pitching has been consistent and effective so far this season, and they have the stats and experience to prove it. Overall, the Astros are a team to watch when it comes to pitching. Their abilities on the mound make them a force to be reckoned with

Astros: Hitting Analysis

The Astros have been a force to be reckoned with in recent years, and their hitting prowess is a big reason why. With stars like Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker leading the charge, the Astros are poised to continue their winning ways. MLB picks experts and computer MLB picks and predictions have the Astros as favorites in their upcoming game against the Pirates. The Astros have been solid at the plate, averaging 5 runs per game and 12.73 total bases per game. They rank in the top 10 in runs scored, home runs, and RBIs. One area where the Astros have struggled is strikeouts, which could be an area of concern in their matchup against the Pirates. However, their ability to get on base with walks and hit by pitches could help offset this weakness. The Pirates, on the other hand, have a middle-of-the-road offense. They rank 19th in runs scored and 18th in total bases per game.

Pirates: Pitching Analysis

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a decent start to their season, with a 6-4 record. However, their pitching has been a bit inconsistent, which could be a concern going forward. Let's take a closer look at their pitching staff. Starting pitcher Rich Hill has had a strong start to the season, with a 0-1 record and an ERA of 1.44. He has also had 11 strikeouts in 12.2 innings pitched. However, the rest of the rotation has struggled a bit. Rookie Roansy Contreras has shown some promise, but has also had some rough outings. The same can be said for Mitch Keller and Wil Crowe. In the bullpen, David Bednar and Duane Underwood Jr. have been bright spots, each with an ERA under 1.00. However, other relievers like Jose Hernandez and Mitch Keller have struggled with consistency. Overall, the Pirates' pitching staff has shown flashes of potential, but also some inconsistency.

Pirates: Hitting Analysis

After a slow start to the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates' offense has come alive in recent games. Led by Bryan Reynolds, who leads the team with a .366 batting average and five home runs, the Pirates are beginning to look like a team to watch in the NL Central. However, the Pirates will face a tough challenge in their upcoming series against the Houston Astros. The Astros have a strong pitching staff led by Jose Urquidy, who has yet to give up an earned run this season. But if the Pirates can continue their hot hitting, they could pull off a few upsets against the Astros. Look for Kyle Tucker to lead the way for the Astros, as he has three home runs and a .282 batting average.

Injury Report

As with every season, injuries will play a key role in determining the success of each team. The Astros and Pirates have both had their fair share of injuries in recent years, and it's likely that we'll see more of the same in 2023. The Astros are currently dealing with the loss of outfielder Michael Brantley, who has been placed on the 10-day IL with an unspecified injury. While Brantley's absence won't be felt as heavily as it would have been a few years ago, he is still a valuable contributor to this team and his loss will be felt. The Pirates, on the other hand, have a longer injury list. Relief pitchers Tyler Chatwood, Drake Fellows, and Blake Cederlind are all listed as day-to-day with various ailments. In addition, third baseman Jared Triolo is also day-to-day, while shortstop Oneil Cruz is on the 60-day IL with a foot injury.