The Oakland Athletics (42-62) are set to face the Houston Astros (60-42) in a pivotal AL West matchup. The Astros are riding high after a three-game sweep of the Diamondbacks, with Christian Walker solidifying his July with a .348 batting average and clutch hitting. Meanwhile, the A's are struggling, having just been swept by the Rangers, scoring only five runs in three games. Luis Severino, with a 3-11 record and 5.10 ERA, is slated to pitch for Oakland against Jason Alexander from Houston, who boasts a 1-0 record but a staggering 18.00 ERA. Vegas has the Astros favored at -126, with a total run line set at 8.0.

Recent trends favor the Astros, who have won their last three home games against the A's. Additionally, Jose Altuve is enjoying a solid July, batting .373 in 67 at-bats. The A's look to break their losing streak, but their recent performance raises concerns about their offensive ability. Betting insights suggest leaning on the over 8.0 runs and the Astros for the moneyline.

The Houston Astros showcased their resilience amidst a wave of injuries by securing a narrow 4-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, completing a series sweep. The game highlighted how the team, currently leading the American League, continues to perform remarkably despite lineup changes. Christian Walker, who delivered the decisive hit in the ninth inning, proved pivotal after struggling earlier in the game. Meanwhile, closer Josh Hader secured his 27th save, highlighting the team's depth and adaptability.

The Astros, having recently overcome a tough stretch, improved their record to 60-42. Their performance showcased a mix of emerging talent and veteran experience, with noteworthy contributions from players stepping into unfamiliar roles, indicating a team built to weather adversity.

Today's MLB slate presents several enticing home run prop bets, focusing on power hitters with advantageous matchups. Matt Olson from the Atlanta Braves is a strong pick at +285, facing a struggling righty in Jake Irvin, who has difficulty with left-handed hitters. Christian Walker of the Houston Astros is also appealing at +340, with solid stats at home and a favorable history against Michael Wacha. Christian Yelich from the Milwaukee Brewers (+390) boasts a powerful track record against Ben Lively, noted for his susceptibility to left-handed hitters. Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs (+425) and Riley Greene from the Detroit Tigers (+600) round out the list, both taking on pitchers known for giving up home runs. Each player presents a unique opportunity for bettors looking to capitalize on favorable conditions.