American League West rivals kick off a new four-game series Monday night, as the Seattle Mariners visit the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.

The Mariners (19–22, 3rd AL West) swept last month’s four-game set at T-Mobile Park, though they kicked off their road trip with a series loss to the woeful White Sox in Chicago. The Astros (16–25, 4th AL West) are tied for the worst record in the AL and return home after dropping two of three to the Reds in Cincinnati.

Looking at the pitching probables, we’ve got Seattle right-hander George Kirby (4–2, 2.94 ERA) taking on Houston righty Peter Lambert (2–2, 2.42 ERA).

First pitch is tabbed for 8:10 p.m. ET. The Mariners enter as 1.5-run road favorites with -143 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Astros are +119 underdogs, with the total set at O/U 8.5 runs.

Mariners vs. Astros Preview

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners have struggled to regain momentum since blowing a 3–1 lead in last year’s American League Championship Series, their first appearance since 2001. While Seattle ranks eighth league-wide in wRC+, it sits 24th in total runs scored and third in strikeout rate. Julio Rodriguez is certainly heating up — carrying a 1.092 OPS since April 28 — but Cal Raleigh has gone hitless in that same stretch, mired in a disastrous 0-for-32 slump. 

Seattle has largely stayed afloat behind its impressive pitching staff — particularly the rotation, which leads MLB in total innings pitched. Despite encountering some gnarly batted-ball luck, the Mariners’ starting five ranks eighth in ERA while pacing the majors in walks per nine innings. A strong start from George Kirby has helped bolster those numbers. The former All-Star right-hander, 28, owns a 2.94 ERA (2.77 xERA) with a 1.10 WHIP through his first eight starts (52 IP), employing a diverse pitch mix to keep batters on their toes — and the ball on the ground.

Facing the Astros on April 13, Kirby twirled 7.2 frames of two-run ball with six strikeouts in a 6–2 win. 

Houston Astros

Houston, we have some problems. Led by MVP candidate Yordan Alvarez, the Astros rank in MLB’s top five in wRC+, wOBA, home runs, and strikeout rate. But cracks are beginning to form; Jeremy Pena remains sidelined with a hamstring strain, while Carlos Correa will miss the rest of the season after suffering a freak ankle injury. 

It certainly hasn’t helped that Daikin Park has been home to some of the worst pitching in baseball. Ravaged by injuries, the Astros’ staff ranks dead last in ERA, ground-ball rate, and walks per nine innings, also sitting near the bottom in home runs allowed. The rotation — which ranks 26th in total innings — will hope for length from Peter Lambert, who has so far been a rare bright spot for this struggling unit. The former Rockies right-hander, 29, has posted a 2.42 ERA (3.31 xERA) with a 1.16 WHIP and 23 strikeouts through his first four starts (22.1 IP). 

Lambert is fresh off spinning seven shutout frames with four strikeouts against the reigning World Series champion Dodgers on May 5.

Mariners vs. Astros Pick, Best Bet

The Mariners won’t be under .500 — nor will the reigning home run king stay hitless — for much longer, possibly by the time they leave Houston. 

Having already swept its lowly division rival, Seattle should pick up where it left off against the dreadful Astros pitching staff. Expect the Mariners to pounce on Lambert early and get to the bullpen as quickly as possible. By then, the game could already be out of reach.

Best Bet: Seattle Mariners Moneyline (-143)