MLB Free Picks & Predictions: Houston Astros @ New York Yankees

After winning back-to-back games, the Houston Astros are in control of the ALCS. Will the Yankees be able to bounce back in Games 4 and 5?

The Washington Nationals have already qualified for the World Series.

• 01Zack Greinke vs Masahiro Tanaka in Pivotal Game 4
• 02Justin Verlander vs James Paxton in ALCS Game 5
• 03Game Total UNDER for Game 5 will be the safe bet
• 04Astros now monster favorites to move on to the World Series

Zack Greinke vs Masahiro Tanaka in Pivotal Game 4

Following the rain-out on Wednesday, Game 4 of the ALCS is now slated for 8:08 PM ET on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

While it can be argued that the one-day delay helps both teams - an edge has to go Houston as the Astros get to reset their ferocious starting pitcher rotation. 

Zack Greinke, Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole (if necessary) are now in-line to start the next three contests on normal rest. That is not good news for the Yankees who are down 2-1 in this series.

Though not a "must-win" situation for New York - the Bronx Bombers can't afford to go down 3-1 and we feel they will get to Greinke to even up the ALCS at two game apiece.

Postseason Tanaka stands alone. #TanakaTime #NextManUp pic.twitter.com/F7YVaIdLtk

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 13, 2019

Justin Verlander vs James Paxton in ALCS Game 5

New York is now down 3-1 in the ALCS versus Houston heading into Game 5 at Yankee Stadium. First pitch flies at 7:08 PM ET on Friday, October 18, 2019, in the Big Apple. Are the Yankees toast?

With both teams back to their regular rotation, HOU Justin Verlander (21-6 ERA 2.58) versus NYY James Paxton (15-6 ERA 3.82) is the Game 5 pitching matchup. Trying to survice Verlander is tall order for the Bronx Bombers.

Verlander has been exceptional in pressure situations. Look for him to keep the trend going in Game 5 as our MLB picks are in the Astros favor for this one.

This is going to be interesting. 👀#ALCS pic.twitter.com/lYdNsfo1eS

— MLB (@MLB) October 16, 2019

Game Total UNDER for Game 5 will be the safe bet

With Justin Verlander and James Paxton set to battle in Game 5, fans should not expect a ton of runs to be scored. This matchup is a repeat of Game 2 which, thanks to a Carlos Correa walk off home run, was won 3-2 in 11 innings by Houston.

Verlander allowed two runs on five hits over 6.2 inninga in Game 2. Paxton only pitched two innings as he gave up one run on four hits before giving way to the bullpen.

Both hurlers are on normal rest so Game 5 has all the markings of a pitchers duel. Bookmakers agree as the OVER/UNDER is set at a tiny 7.5 runs.

With Verlander and Canadian Paxton wheeling and dealing, it's hard to picture a lot of runs being scored - even with these two powerful lineups.

Off day today, but let's run it back to ALCS Game 2 and the best photos from the win at home!#TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/mf0kZlJXKx

— Houston Astros (@astros) October 16, 2019

Astros now monster favorites to move on to the World Series

While the Washington Nationals punched their ticket to the World Series on Tuesday night, we'll have to wait a little longer to see who will come out of the American League. 

If you ask the oddsmakers though - they believe Houston is destined to make a return trip to the Fall Classic.

The Astros hold a head-turning 1.03 odds to win the AL Pennant, while New York's ALCS winning MLB World Series odds have dropped to 13.00 at Bet365.

Now up 3-1 in the ALCS playoffs, Houston is comfortably in the driver's seat. Think they'll move on to the World Series? Get your bet in.