Scott Reichel argued that Houston is a must-bet at +125 because Shohei Ohtani’s new role as a two-inning opener leaves the Dodgers leaning on long reliever Nick Nastrini (Kasparius) for bulk innings, while Framber Valdez is in peak form. Valdez rides a 13-inning scoreless streak, is 6-0 with a 1.57 ERA over his last seven starts, and has surrendered only three homers in the past two months. Reichel noted the public will blindly parlay Los Angeles at any price under –150, but the true matchup favors Houston: the Astros have quietly played above .500 on the road over the last six weeks, and their lineup is set to get healthier as September approaches. With Valdez averaging 7.0 IP per outing and the Ohtani “start” effectively shortening L.A.’s pitching depth, Reichel projected Houston as a –110 favorite and is grabbing any plus money available.