Colorado Rockies vs Houston Astros Picks and Predictions for Thursday, April 16, 2026
Use Code PPWC
The Colorado Rockies visit the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Thursday, April 16, at 8:10 PM ET on MLB.TV. Colorado is 6-11, fourth in the NL West, while Houston is 7-11, fifth in the AL West. The Rockies lost 7-6 to the Astros in the opening game of this series. This is the third game and final game of this series. Find value with our free MLB picks.
Colorado Rockies Preview
The Rockies are coming off a 7-6 loss to Houston and have now dropped five straight games. Colorado has struggled to close out games during this stretch, with pitching issues continuing late in games.
Colorado is hitting .243 with a .305 on-base percentage and .390 slugging percentage. TJ Rumfield leads the team with a .304 average and .365 on-base percentage, while Mickey Moniak has provided power with five home runs and nine RBI. The lineup has shown some balance, but run production has not been consistent enough to overcome pitching problems.
On the mound, Colorado has a 4.16 ERA and 1.36 WHIP while allowing a .259 opponent batting average. The staff has struggled to limit contact and has allowed 22 home runs, which has contributed to recent losses. Even when the offense produces, the pitching has not consistently held leads.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Injuries: Jose Quintana, 15-Day IL, Jared Thomas, 7-Day IL, Kyle Freeland, Day-To-Day, McCade Brown, 60-Day IL, Case Williams, 60-Day IL
Houston Astros Preview
The Astros one-run victory in the first game of the series snapped an eight-game losing streak. Houston has struggled overall, but the offense has remained productive and remains the team's strength.
Houston is hitting .272 with a .360 on-base percentage and .441 slugging percentage, giving them one of the most productive offenses in the league to start the season. Yordan Alvarez leads the team with a .317 average, six home runs, and 16 RBI, while Christian Walker is hitting .313 with four home runs and 15 RBI. The lineup has multiple contributors and consistently creates scoring opportunities.
Pitching remains the concern. Houston has a 6.47 ERA and 1.71 WHIP, both near the bottom of the league, while allowing a .273 opponent batting average. The staff has issued 101 walks, which has created constant pressure and led to giving up too many runs. That has made it difficult to maintain momentum even when the offense performs well.
Injuries: Bennett Sousa, 15-Day IL, Glenn Otto, Day-To-Day, Cody Bolton, Day-To-Day, Jeremy Pena, 10-Day IL, Zach Dezenzo, 10-Day IL
Pitching Matchup
Colorado Rockies – Tomoyuki Sugano
Sugano is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA and 0.78 WHIP over 16.2 innings. He has allowed 10 hits with strong control but has given up four home runs.
Houston Astros – Lance McCullers Jr.
McCullers Jr. is 1-0 with a 5.87 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 15.1 innings. He has allowed 14 hits and six walks.
Colorado Rockies vs Houston Astros Prediction
Houston has the edge due to the stronger offense and home-field advantage, even with pitching problems early this season. The Astros have been able to generate consistent scoring, which should continue against a Rockies staff that has struggled to limit baserunners. Sugano can keep Colorado competitive early, but Houston’s lineup will produce enough over the final half of the game to win. Final Score Prediction: Houston Astros win 6-4.
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Best Picks
- Houston Astros
- Over
