Cleveland Guardians vs. Houston Astros: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 2, 2024 8:10 PM

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May 2, 2024 6:15 AM

Get ready for an exciting matchup at Minute Maid Park on May 2nd as the Houston Astros, struggling with a 10-20 overall record and 5-10 at home, take on the red-hot Cleveland Guardians, who boast a 20-10 overall record and 12-6 on the road. The series is tied 1-1, setting the stage for a crucial Game 3. With perfect weather forecasted - 84 degrees and zero precipitation - the stage is set for a thrilling contest.

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Cleveland Guardians vs Houston Astros Probable Pitchers

For the upcoming Cleveland Guardians vs Houston Astros game, Logan Allen is the probable starting pitcher for the Guardians, bringing a 3-1 record and 5.46 ERA to the mound. Despite struggling with control and giving up home runs, Allen's 26 strikeouts in 31.1 innings pitched suggest he can still pose a threat to the Astros' potent offense.

In the upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, the Houston Astros are likely to send Spencer Arrighetti to the mound, who has struggled this season with an ERA of 10.97 and a WHIP of 2.34. Despite his 15 strikeouts, Arrighetti's 3 losses and lack of wins this season have been a concern, making him a wildcard in this crucial game against the Guardians.

Cleveland Guardians Analysis

As the Cleveland Guardians prepare to face off against the Houston Astros, they'll look to capitalize on their strengths, including a potent offense that ranks 7th in runs scored with 155. Jose Ramirez, in particular, has been a driving force, leading the team with 24 RBIs. Meanwhile, Steven Kwan's impressive .360 batting average has set the tone for the Guardians' lineup. However, Logan Allen, the probable starter, will need to navigate the Astros' potent bats carefully, as the Guardians' pitching staff has struggled to limit opponents' scoring opportunities. With the Astros boasting one of the league's most formidable lineups, Allen will need to be sharp to contain Houston's explosive offense and give his team a chance to secure a win.

Houston Astros Analysis

As the Cleveland Guardians prepare to face the Houston Astros, it's clear that the Astros' offense will be a force to be reckoned with. Led by stars like Jose Altuve, who boasts a .341 batting average, and Kyle Tucker, who has smashed 8 home runs and driven in 21 runs, the Astros' lineup is potent. With a team batting average of .263 and 277 hits, the Astros are capable of manufacturing runs in a variety of ways. However, the Guardians' pitching staff will need to be careful not to issue free passes, as the Astros have drawn 93 walks on the season, good for a tie for 21st in the league. If the Guardians can limit the Astros' opportunities and capitalize on their own scoring chances, they may be able to keep pace with the high-powered Astros offense.

Cleveland Guardians vs Houston Astros Injuries

Houston Astros

Dixon Machado (SS): Day-To-Day
Zach Dezenzo (3B): Day-To-Day
Jairo Solis (SP): Day-To-Day
Forrest Whitley (RP): Day-To-Day
Jayden Murray (SP): Day-To-Day

Cleveland Guardians

Sam Hentges (RP): 15-Day-IL
Eli Morgan (RP): 15-Day-IL
Nic Enright (RP): Day-To-Day
Nick Mikolajchak (RP): Day-To-Day
Doug Nikhazy (SP): Day-To-Day

Cleveland Guardians vs Houston Astros Betting Odds

The Houston Astros are favored to win the matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, with current odds of -130, slightly shortened from the opening odds of -135. The over/under is set at 9.5, indicating a potentially high-scoring affair.

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

Cleveland Guardians vs Houston Astros Prediction

I'm predicting a thrilling 6-4 Astros victory, with a healthy dose of dingers and hopefully fewer controversies than a Jose Altuve jersey-tugging incident.