Astros vs. Diamondbacks: Game 2 prediction, lineup, odds, injuries, and betting picks - July 22, 2025

The Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks clash in Game 2 in a contest of playoff hopefuls on vastly different tracks. The Astros, powered by an enhanced rotation and seasoned veteran toughness, have placed the series in their favor after a dominant Game 1 win.

Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are searching for answers, and their bullpen is in distress, while their offense has not capitalized in key situations.

With two left-handers, Framber Valdez and Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound, expect a high-stakes battle filled with momentum swings and star power on both sides.

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Starting Pitchers

Framber Valdez (Astros, LHP)

Framber Valdez is Houston's best arm with a 10–4 record and 2.75 ERA this season. In his last appearance, July 12 against Texas, the lefty struck out 10 in six shut-down innings on four hits and no walks.

While taking a no-decision, Valdez's command to shut down the zone and not allow the damage to accumulate is still making him a reliable anchor for Houston's rotation.

Eduardo Rodriguez (Diamondbacks, LHP)

Eduardo Rodriguez has yet to find his groove this season, entering with a 3-6 mark and bloated 5.94 ERA in 80.1 innings. His latest outing on July 10 against the Padres was an eight-hit, two-walk effort over four innings, where he gave up four runs and took the loss.

While his 90 strikeouts show that he has not lost the capability of missing bats, a high 1.67 WHIP and inconsistency in command have kept him from keeping opposing lineups in check.

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Hot Hitters to Watch

Jose Altuve (Astros)

Jose Altuve is still the sparkplug at the top of Houston's lineup. He is batting .278 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs this season.

He is a threat at all times due to his power and plate discipline, and with 54 runs scored and six stolen bases, he continues to influence games in more than one fashion.

Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks)

Marte remains Arizona's most consistent hitter, batting .289 with 19 homers and 40 RBIs this season. In Monday's series opener, he led off, playing DH, and went 1-for-4 with a double, a walk and a run scored.

With his on-base abilities and knack for setting the tone early, Marte is invaluable to keeping the Diamondbacks' offense rolling.

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Projected Lineups

Houston Astros (Away Team):

• RF Cam Smith (R)
• LF Jose Altuve (R)
• DH Yainer Diaz (R)
• 1B Christian Walker (R)
• C Victor Caratini (S)
• 3B Mauricio Dubon (R)
• 2B Brice Matthews (R)
• SS Zack Short (R)
• CF Chas McCormick (R)
• SP: Framber Valdez (L) - 10-4, 2.75 ERA

Arizona Diamondbacks (Home Team):

• DH Ketel Marte (S)
• CF Corbin Carroll (L)
• LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (R)
• 3B Eugenio Suarez (R)
• 1B Josh Naylor (L)
• RF Randal Grichuk (R)
• C James McCann (R)
• 2B Blaze Alexander (R)
• SS Geraldo Perdomo (S)
• SP: Eduardo Rodriguez (L) - 3-6, 5.94 ERA

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Injury Report

Astros:

• Isaac Paredes (hamstring) – On 10-day IL.
• Jeremy Pena (rib) – Hitting off the tee, nearing live pitching.
• Yordan Alvarez (hand) – Soft toss resumed; return timeline still pending.

Diamondbacks:

• Ildemaro Vargas (foot) – On 10-day IL until early August.
• Pavin Smith (oblique) – Also on 10-day IL; taking dry swings.
• Gabriel Moreno (hand) – Out until mid-August due to finger fracture.
• Jalen Beeks (back), Shelby Miller (forearm), Ryan Thompson (upper body) – All on 15-day IL with mid-to-late July return possible.

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Current Odds

Run Line:

• Giants -1.5 (+153)
• Braves +1.5 (−188)

Total:

• Over 9.5 (−101)
• Under 9.5 (−121)

Moneyline:

• Giants −102
• Braves −119

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Best Bets & Prediction

Final Score Prediction: Braves 5, Giants 4

Top Bets:

1. Braves Moneyline (−119) – Home field and recent offensive spark favor Atlanta in a close matchup.
2. Under 9.5 Total Runs (−121) – Both teams trend under with young arms on the mound and inconsistent lineups.

Parlay: Braves ML + Under 9.5, a value combo if you trust Davis Daniel and Atlanta’s bullpen to hold.