The MLB season begins to begin the second half of the schedule on Friday. The game lineup is going to offer a lot of competition to both teams and sports bettors.

Astros Face the Angels

At Angel Stadium on Friday, the stage is set for the start of a 3-game showdown between the Houston Astros and the LA Angels. An impressive first-half record has propelled the Astros within two games of wresting the AL West lead from the Texas Rangers. Unfortunately, the Astros will have to face this challenge without the services of outfielder Yordan Alvarez and second baseman Jose Altuve, both sidelined due to oblique injuries.

Alvarez, who has been recovering steadily, could return next week, while Altuve is expected to do so shortly after. The Angels, however, had a dismal performance before the All-Star break, suffering a loss in nine of 10 games, resulting in a 7-game gap from the division leaders and a 5-game deficit to secure a wild-card spot.

Mike Trout is currently absent from the team due to a hand injury and is undergoing surgery to repair a broken hamate bone. Consequently, you will remain sidelined for a period ranging from two to six weeks. The Angels are now striving to progress through the rest of the season successfully while aiming to stay away from a significant setback. However, it won’t start tonight.

White Sox Look To Bounce Back

On Friday, amid the vibrant atmosphere of Truist Park, the Chicago White Sox and Atlanta Braves return to the field. Having concluded the first half of the season with a series of regrettable setbacks, enduring a discouraging 3-7 stretch within the American League Central, both teams were eager to revitalize their spirits.

However, the grim shadow of misfortune has cast a shadow over his squad, largely marred by injuries. Thus looms the uncertain fate of Luis Robert Jr., whose participation remains in doubt after a calf injury suffered during the Home Run Derby.

In the last 20 games, Atlanta has secured victory in an impressive 17 games, establishing itself as the unrivaled favorites in baseball. The Braves dominate the NL East, with a substantial 8 1/2 game lead over the Miami Marlins.

In particular, their home stadium appears to be a powerhouse for success, with a remarkable record of 30 wins and 15 losses, surpassing their performance on away grounds, where they have a slightly less impressive record of 30 wins and 14 losses. The Braves are going to keep the White Sox from finding their goal.

Giants Pitch Series Against Pirates

Starting their three-game series at PNC Park on Friday, the San Francisco Giants (49-41) will face the Pittsburgh Pirates. Before the All-Star break, the Giants posted a 1-0 victory against the Colorado Rockies. Currently, San Francisco has triumphed in its previous two games and is very close to the National League West leaders, the LA Dodgers and the Diamondbacks, by only 2 1/2 games.

Before halftime, the Pirates managed to break a disappointing 4-game losing streak by securing a 4-2 road win against the Diamondbacks, thus bringing some relief to their fans. Despite a promising start to the season, the Pirates trail the Cincinnati Reds by a significant 8 1/2 games in the National League Central career. They’re going to keep trailing, with the Giants capturing the win.