MLB Wednesday Preview: Yankees at Astros, Pirates at Cubs

New York Yankees (5-6) at Houston Astros (7-5), 7:40 p.m. ET

James Paxton (1-1, 4.09 ERA) (NYY) +105 / +1.5 runs (-180) / Over eight runs (-115)

Collin McHugh (1-1, 2.45 ERA) (HOU) -115 / -1.5 runs (+160) / Under eight runs (-105)

The Astros are in good position to sweep the Yankees at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday night.

Collin McHugh will be on the mound for Houston, and he’s had a strong first two starts of 2019. He has a 2.45 ERA and 0.909 WHIP. McHugh typically thrives in his own building, where he gone 12-4 with a 2.88 ERA in his last 47 appearances (19 starts). New York’s lineup has had few chances against McHugh in the past, but success has been minimal. Brett Gardner is just 1-for-6 lifetime against him.

James Paxton pitched unevenly in two starts against the Orioles to kick off his New York career. Astros hitters have plenty of experience against “Big Maple” from his time and Seattle, and the results have been positive. Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa and George Springer are a combined 30-for-101 lifetime against Paxton. Altuve and Bregman have the hottest bats in the lineup at the moment. They've collected 23 hits in their last seven tilts.

MLB Free Play: Astros moneyline

Pittsburgh Pirates (5-4) at Chicago Cubs (3-7), 8:05 p.m. ET

Jordan Lyles (0-0, 0.00 ERA) (PIT) +155 / +1.5 runs (-145) / Over seven runs (-110)

Yu Darvish (0-1, 8.10 ERA) (CHC) -175 / -1.5 runs (+125) / Under seven runs (-110)

The line on this contest seems out of whack, as the Cubs are heavily favored despite their 3-7 record and the wild Yu Darvish getting the start. The Pirates are a good bet to jump out to an early lead at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night.

Darvish has issued 11 walks in his first two starts of the season (6 2/3 innings pitched) to go with six earned runs. Melky Cabrera, boasting a .440 average, has three hits in 12 at-bats against Darvish, while Francisco Cervelli is 4-for-7.

Jordan Lyles posted a solid first start of the year for the Pirates on April 4, when he scattered three hits and three walks and shut out the Reds through five innings. Anthony Rizzo has the most experience against Lyles of any Chicago batter and is just 2-for-11.

MLB Free Play: Pirates moneyline first five innings (+145)