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Astros vs Red Sox Game 2 preview: Odds, Predictions, Betting Tips & Starting lineups | March 31; MLB 2026 Season


The Houston Astros will host the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, continuing their second series of the regular season. The Astros had a dominant performance in Monday’s series opener, winning 8-1 behind home runs from Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez and Brice Matthews.

Let’s look at the odds, preview, prediction and best betting tips for Tuesday’s matchup.

MLB: Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox odds

Money Line: Houston Astros (-149), Boston Red Sox (+123)

Run Line: Houston Astros -1.5 (+144), Boston Red Sox +1.5 (-175)

Total Runs: Over 7.5 (-118), Under 7.5 (-102)

Preview – Probable starting pitchers and lineups

Houston Astros probable starting pitcher: Hunter Brown

Hunter Brown gets the nod to start for the Astros. He has established himself as one of the best in the business following his MLB debut in 2022.

The righty enjoyed an exceptional 2025 season, finishing with a 12-9 record, 2.43 ERA and 206 strikeouts. His stellar performances earned him All-Star and All-MLB second-team selections.

Hunter Brown in action for the Houston Astros - Source: Getty
Hunter Brown in action for the Houston Astros – Source: Getty
  1. 2B Jose Altuve
  2. DH Yordan Alvarez
  3. 3B Isaac Paredes
  4. SS Carlos Correa
  5. OF Joey Loperfido
  6. OF Cam Smith
  7. 1B Christian Walker
  8. C Yainer Diaz
  9. OF Brice Matthews

Boston Red Sox probable starting pitcher: Brayan Bello

Brayan Bello will take the mound for the Red Sox, making his first appearance this season. He was a key part of his team’s success in 2025, finishing with an 11-9 record, a 3.35 ERA and 124 strikeouts.

Brayan Bello in action for the Boston Red Sox - Source: Getty
Brayan Bello in action for the Boston Red Sox – Source: Getty

Boston Red Sox predicted lineup

  1. OF Roman Anthony
  2. SS Trevor Story
  3. DH Jarren Duran
  4. 1B Willson Contreras
  5. OF Wilyer Abreu
  6. 3B Caleb Durbin
  7. 2B Marcelo Mayer
  8. C Carlos Narvaez
  9. OF Ceddanne Rafaela

The Astros are favorites to win again following their convincing victory in the series opener, especially with their ace on the mound.

Prediction: Houston Astros 5, Boston Red Sox 4

Betting tips

Houston should have enough quality to make the most of home field advantage and clinch the series with a hard-fought win.

Money line: Houston Astros (-149)

Run line: Boston Red Sox +1.5 (-175)

Total runs: Over 7.5 (-118)

Likely players to hit home runs: Roman Anthony (Boston Red Sox), Jarren Duran (Boston Red Sox), Yordan Alvarez (Houston Astros), Isaac Paredes (Houston Astros)