The Angels and the Astros look set to fire up the field in an afternoon showdown. With a 4:07 pm start on the East Coast, it’s Cristian Javier against Griffin Canning as the Astros are tipped as the -127 favorites. The total listed at 9.5 stirs up the excitement of a high-scoring game. The Astros, eager to shake off a three-game losing streak, will undoubtedly face a stiff challenge against the might of Shohei Ohtani, but Canning’s struggles this season could offer them a way in.

Looking at the statistics, a thrilling encounter between the bats seems likely, given the rough start both have righties Javier and Canning, have had this season. A possible high-scoring game, filled with home runs, could break out on the field, particularly with the Astros hoping to rekindle their offensive fire, which has been somewhat dormant this 2023 season.

Canning’s 2023 season has been unimpressive, with a WHIP of 1.33 and a K rate just above 20%. His splits also raise concerns, with a .331 weighted on-base average to lefties and a .329 to righties.

On the other hand, Javier brings intriguing stats to the mound. He’s been decent with a WHIP of 1.06, a good K rate, and reasonable walk rates. His splits are also remarkable, holding a weighted on-base average of .272 and a .296 to lefties, which are good numbers. However, his slightly elevated ISO power numbers from both sides of the plate could be an area of concern.

As the Angels take on the Astros, we may see a blast from power hitters like Mike Trout or Otani. This MLB showdown is one to watch, offering a potential feast for baseball and betting enthusiasts alike.