es with the World Series champion Houston Astros (73-42) on Thursday as solid road underdogs at the sportsbooks. The American League West-leading Astros have won two straight games Fernando Rodney Jersey , while the Mariners have lost two in a row, as they continue to chase the Oakland Athletics for the second and final AL wild-card spot. MLB betting line: The Astros opened as -145 favorites (wager $145 to win $100); the total is at seven runs, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)MLB betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 3.9-2.2, Astros (MLB picks on every game)Check out the OddsShark podcast on iTunes or at OddsShark.libsyn.com for more odds information, betting picks and a breakdown of this week's top sports betting news. Why the Mariners can pay on the MLB linesSeattle may not be playing in desperation mode yet, but this is the perfect time to start getting hot in an effort to catch Oakland. The Mariners would love nothing more than to start this series off with a big victory, and they will have ace James Paxton (9-5 http://www.twinsfanproshop.com/authentic-max-kepler-jersey , 3.51 ERA) on the mound looking to put together his third straight quality start since the MLB All-Star break.The 29-year-old has allowed a combined three runs and 11 hits in splitting his last two outings totaling 14 innings, walking one batter and striking out 15. More importantly, though, he is a perfect 3-0 versus Houston this season with a sparkling 0.87 ERA. Why the Astros can pay on the MLB linesThe Astros are well on their way to earning back-to-back division titles, and they rank first in baseball with a plus-202 run differential, even ahead of the MLB-leading Boston Red Sox. They have also dominated this matchup with Seattle recently, winning 12 of the past 15 meetings, according to the OddsShark MLB Database.The three losses all came against Paxton Joe Mauer Jersey , but Justin Verlander (11-6, 2.19 ERA) has also been very good versus the Mariners over the previous three seasons. Michael Wyke/Associated PressWhile he has not faced them this year, the 35-year-old went 2-0 with a 1.82 ERA in six starts against them between 2015 and 2017, limiting them to a .215 batting average during that stretch.Smart betting pickSeattle appears to be a solid value play in this spot considering Paxton has been awesome versus Houston this season. This is arguably the biggest series of 2018 for the Mariners, who cannot afford to fall further behind in the race for a wild-card berth. The Astros are a great team, but look for them to stay winless against Paxton here. MLB betting trendsThe total has gone over in six of Seattle's last eight games.Houston is 1-4 in its last five games at home.The total has gone over in four of Houston's last 5 games at home.All MLB odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app. According to manager Dave Roberts, Kershaw will be making his debut at Dodger Stadium on either Sunday or Monday. Should he get the start on Sunday Glen Perkins Jersey , he’d face the Brewers. If he starts on Monday, it will be against the Reds."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections 2019 Spring TrainingProspectsCommentaryNews and NotesDodgers News & NotesClayton Kershaw will start for the Dodgers on Sunday or MondayNew,35commentsPDTShareTweetShareShareClayton Kershaw will start for the Dodgers on Sunday or MondayIan MauleMark your calendars, Dodgers fans. It looks like Clayton Kershaw’s 2019 season debut is upon us. Dave Roberts said Kershaw will be making his debut at Dodger Stadium on either Sunday or Monday, Alanna Rizzo reported.Should he get the start on Sunday, he’d face the Brewers. If he starts on Monday, it will be against the Reds. Kershaw threw 81 pitches in six innings last night in Tulsa. He allowed two runs and struck out six. Russell Martin headed to the injured listEarlier today, it was announced that Martin would be heading to the 10-day IL with lower back inflammation. The Dodgers called up catcher Rocky Gale from Oklahoma City to fill his place. Click here to read more about that move. Updates on Rich Hill and Hyun-Jin Ryu Hill is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Friday in Los Angeles. He’s expected to go three or four innings. If all goes well http://www.twinsfanproshop.com/authentic-max-kepler-jersey , the next step for him would be to make a rehab start. As for Ryu, he threw on a flat ground today, simulating his motion. He will do that again on Friday.