MLB Game Preview: Houston Astros (12-21) vs. Boston Red Sox (13-19)

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Boston Red Sox logo

Venue: Fenway Park — Boston, Massachusetts

First Pitch: 4:10 PM ET

Broadcast: AT&T SportsNet Southwest / NESN / MLB.tv

WEATHER REPORT — BOSTON

Temperature: 58–62°F

Wind: 12–15 mph blowing out toward the Green Monster (left field)

Sky: Partly cloudy

Impact:

Boost for right‑handed pull hitters

Fly‑ball pitchers may struggle

Fenway’s unique angles could produce extra‑base chaos

INJURY REPORT

Houston Astros

Kyle Tucker — day‑to‑day (ankle)

Framber Valdez — IL (forearm)

Cristian Javier — IL (shoulder)

Ryan Pressly — IL (elbow)

Yainer Diaz — day‑to‑day (hand)

Houston’s pitching staff is severely depleted, and the lineup is missing two key bats.

Boston Red Sox

Triston Casas — IL (rib)

Trevor Story — IL (shoulder)

Brayan Bello — IL (elbow)

Kenley Jansen — IL (hamstring)

Wilyer Abreu — day‑to‑day (wrist)

Boston’s rotation and bullpen are thin, and the lineup lacks power without Casas.

PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUP

Houston — RHP Spencer Arrighetti (1–3, 5.62 ERA, 1.48 WHIP)

Arrighetti has electric stuff but inconsistent command. Fenway Park is a dangerous environment for a pitcher who allows hard contact.

Boston — RHP Kutter Crawford (2–2, 3.77 ERA, 1.19 WHIP)

Crawford has been Boston’s most reliable starter. His cutter/slider mix induces weak contact, and he’s been strong at home.

Pitching Edge: Boston (Crawford’s command + matchup advantage).

TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM

Houston Astros (12–21)

Last 10: 3–7

Road record: 5–11

Runs per game last 10: 3.8

Team ERA last 10: 5.12

Houston is struggling badly, especially on the mound.

Boston Red Sox (13–19)

Last 10: 4–6

Home record: 6–10

Runs per game last 10: 4.4

Team ERA last 10: 4.67

Boston is inconsistent but showing signs of offensive life.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

1. Rafael Devers (BOS) vs. Spencer Arrighetti

Devers is hitting .333 with 4 HR in his last 10.

Arrighetti struggles vs. left‑handed power. Micro‑edge: Devers

2. Alex Bregman (HOU) vs. Kutter Crawford

Bregman has a .400 OBP in his last 12 games.

Crawford excels vs. right‑handed hitters with his cutter. Micro‑edge: Crawford

3. Jeremy Peña (HOU) vs. Boston Bullpen

Peña is hitting .310 over his last 15 games.

Boston’s bullpen ERA last 10: 4.91 Micro‑edge: Peña

4. Jarren Duran (BOS) vs. Houston Outfield Defense

Duran’s speed + Fenway’s gaps = extra‑base potential.

Houston’s outfield defense has been below average. Micro‑edge: Duran

SERIES HISTORY

2025–26 Season Series: Red Sox lead 1–0 (BOS won 5–3 on May 1)

Last 10 meetings: Red Sox lead 6–4

At Fenway Park: Red Sox 5–2 in last 7

Boston has controlled this matchup recently, especially at home.

BETTING TRENDS

Houston Astros

3–7 last 10

2–6 in last 8 road games

Over is 6–4 in last 10

1–5 in last 6 vs. AL East

Boston Red Sox

4–6 last 10

3–4 in last 7 home games

Over is 7–3 in last 10

5–2 in last 7 vs. AL West

Game Odds

Houston Astros                 9

Boston Red Sox                 – 141

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 1, 2026