Astros Face Struggling Mariners as Castillo Posts 0-4 Record

The Seattle Mariners have struggled early this season after a postseason shortfall last year. Questions lingered over how the team would bounce back, along with any tension between Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh from the World Baseball Classic. So far, results point to problems on the field. The Mariners stand 21-23 overall and 9-12 on the road. Despite a lineup of power hitters, they bat just .230 as a team.

Pitching remains their strength and the main reason they avoid total collapse. The staff posts a 3.63 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Starter Luis Castillo drags those figures down. He goes 0-4 with a 6.57 ERA and 1.62 WHIP this year. Castillo has given up four or more earned runs in three straight starts and four of his last six. The Mariners hold a 2-6 record in his eight outings. Run support has been light, but he often digs them into early holes. Houston hitters bat .274 against him.

The Houston Astros also search for consistency. They once won despite losing star after star. That formula fails now. The Astros sit 17-27 overall and 10-12 at home. They hit .257 but their pitchers post a 5.54 ERA and 1.58 WHIP.

Mike Burrows starts for Houston with a 2-4 record, 5.04 ERA, and 1.48 WHIP. His home numbers look worse: 13 earned runs over 20.1 innings. He comes off two quality starts, including a season-best seven scoreless innings with three hits against the Reds. Earlier this year, he faced Seattle and allowed 11 hits and six runs in six innings.

Yordan Alvarez offers value in player props. He hits .455 against Castillo (10-for-22) with four home runs and two strikeouts. That track record suggests solid contact. His line sits at 2+ total bases (-123), with a home run prop at +235.

The Astros snapped a losing streak last night. They look like the pick at +108. Castillo shows too many flaws, while Burrows gains traction despite rough overall stats. Both teams lack form, but Houston has the edge.