Houston Astros vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Prediction for Friday May 8 2026

By: Eddie Kline Published 05/08/2026, 01:30 AM ET

Astros Preview

The Friday MLB schedule will get started with a battle between the Houston Astros and the Cincinnati Reds from the Great American Ball Park. Be ready for the baseball season with all of our MLB predictions. The Astros (15-23) have dropped 13 of their first 19 road games and are four games off the pace in the AL West Division race. On Wednesday, Houston pitchers served up three long balls to Los Angeles OF Andy Pages during an ugly 12-2 home loss.

Twenty-six year old righty Mike Burrows (1-4 5.97 ERA) will take the mound for the Astros in this matchup. In his last start, Burrows (6 IP) gave up eight hits and three runs during a 3-1 road loss against Boston.

Reds Preview

The Cincinnati Reds are looking to snap a seven-game losing streak and are sitting in last place in the NL Central Division. On Thursday, Cincinnati batters went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left an alarming 15 runners on base during an 8-3 road loss against Chicago. Sal Stewart hit his tenth home run of the year and scored twice in a losing effort for the Reds.

Twenty-eight year old southpaw Nick Lodolo will make his season debut for the Reds on Friday. Lodolo, who has been sidelined with a finger injury, will reportedly have no innings restrictions and posted a career best 3.33 ERA a season ago.

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Astros vs Reds Pick

Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez is currently on the 10-day injured list with an oblique injury and is eligible to return next week. Through 38 games, Houston ranks 5th in OPS and 6th in runs scored. For the season, Cincinnati ranks 26th in OPS and 21st in runs scored. Take the over. Final Score Prediction, Cincinnati Reds win 7-5.