The set-up: The Astros and White Sox open a three-game series in Chicago on Tuesday night. It's been a tale of two seasons for these respective clubs, as Houston owns the AL's best record (71-40) plus boasts a major-league-best 38-15 record on the road. The Astros have scored more runs (656) and hit more HRs (182) than any team in MLB in 2017. Meanwhile, the 42-68 Chicago White Sox are in a free-fall, having gone 3-19 since the All-Star break. The own the AL's worst record and are 'closing in' on the 40-69 Phillies for MLB's worst mark.

The pitching matchup: Dallas Keuchel (9-1 & 2.15 ERA) looks for his 10th victory of 2017 in a season that's been cut short due to injury (this is only his 14th start). He'll be opposed by Derek Holland (5-11, 5.27 ERA), who is scheduled to face the Astros in his 22nd start of the season. Keuchel has shown signs of vulnerability in two starts since coming off the DL after recovering from a neck ailment. He's allowed six ERs in eight innings (6.75 ERA) over the two outings and suffered his first loss of the season Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays (Astros are 11-2, plus-$727 in his 13 starts TY). Holland has struggled along with the rest of the White Sox in recent months. He is 1-7 with an 8.65 ERA in 12 appearances (11 starts / Chicago is 1-10) since June 2, and he has lost each of his past five decisions.

The pick: Keuchel is 2-2 with a 2.67 ERA in five career starts vs. Chicago (team is 3-2) and Holland is 5-3 with a 4.50 ERA against Houston in 13 career starts (teams are 9-4). I expect an excellent effort from Keuchel against the hap-less White Sox and the play here is an 8* on the Under.