Cleveland Guardians vs. Houston Astros: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 1, 2024 8:10 PM

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May 1, 2024 7:45 AM

The Houston Astros, holding a 10-19 record, will face off against the Cleveland Guardians, boasting a 19-10 record, at Minute Maid Park on May 1, 2024. With the Astros leading the series 1-0, they'll aim to capitalize on their 5-9 home record, while the Guardians look to bounce back with their impressive 11-6 road record. The 8:10 PM matchup promises to be an exciting contest under the Houston sun, where the temperature is expected to be a warm 85 degrees with a 49% chance of precipitation.

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Cleveland Guardians vs Houston Astros Probable Pitchers

In the upcoming matchup against the Houston Astros, the Cleveland Guardians will likely turn to Triston McKenzie, who boasts 18 strikeouts in 22 full innings pitched, but also sports a concerning 4.91 ERA and 1.68 WHIP. McKenzie's ability to limit hits, having only surrendered 20, will be crucial in containing the Astros' potent offense.

Justin Verlander, the probable starting pitcher for the Houston Astros, is coming off a dominant outing, boasting an impressive 1.74 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, which could spell trouble for the Cleveland Guardians' lineup. With 11 strikeouts in his last start, Verlander's electric stuff will look to neutralize the Guardians' bats when the two teams face off.

Cleveland Guardians Analysis

As the Cleveland Guardians prepare to take on the Houston Astros, they'll look to capitalize on their strength on the basepaths, where they rank 4th in stolen bases with 32. However, they'll need to be mindful of their 28th-ranked strikeout rate, which could be exploited by the Astros' potent pitching staff. The Guardians' offense, led by Steven Kwan's .350 batting average and Jose Ramirez's 24 RBIs, will aim to get runners on base and create opportunities to score. Meanwhile, Triston McKenzie will need to be sharp on the mound to contain the Astros' high-powered offense. If the Guardians can limit their strikeouts and get timely hits, they may be able to hang with the Astros, but it won't be an easy task.

Houston Astros Analysis

As the Cleveland Guardians prepare to face the Houston Astros, they'll need to be cautious of the Astros' potent offense, which boasts a .264 batting average, good for third-best in the league. Led by Jose Altuve's impressive .345 average and 7 home runs, Houston's lineup has been firing on all cylinders. Meanwhile, Kyle Tucker's 20 RBIs have been a key factor in the team's ability to score runs, as they rank 18th in the league with 122 runs scored. With Justin Verlander on the mound, the Guardians will need to be selective in their pitch selection and try to get to him early, as the Astros' ace has the capability to dominate on the mound.

Cleveland Guardians vs Houston Astros Injuries

Houston Astros

Chas McCormick (LF): Day-To-Day
Colton Gordon (SP): Day-To-Day
Dixon Machado (SS): Day-To-Day
Cristian Javier (SP): 15-Day-IL
Zach Dezenzo (3B): Day-To-Day

Cleveland Guardians

Sam Hentges (RP): 15-Day-IL
Doug Nikhazy (SP): Day-To-Day
Nic Enright (RP): Day-To-Day
Eli Morgan (RP): 15-Day-IL
George Valera (RF): Day-To-Day

Cleveland Guardians vs Houston Astros Betting Odds

The Houston Astros are favored to win, with current odds of -175, a slight adjustment from the opening line of -170, while the Over/Under is set at 8.5 runs for the contest.

You can find real-time odds here powered by the Optimal app.

Cleveland Guardians vs Houston Astros Prediction

"Get ready for a Texas-sized thumping as the Astros crush the Guardians 7-3, but hey, at least the underdog Guardians will get a nice participation trophy!"