Cleveland Have MLB Odds in Their Favor Against the Astros

It’s the series finale between the Astros and Indians on Thursday in Cleveland, but there could be many more Astros-Indians games this year, since both are consensus favorites to win their division and both appear capable of playing deep into October. The Indians throw their ace on Thursday and will be MLB betting favorites.

Houston at Cleveland MLB Betting Preview & Game Info

Josh Reddick’s got ups! #SCtop10 https://t.co/3FZSORWWRX

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 26, 2017

When: Thursday, April 27, 6:10 PM ET Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH. Probable pitchers (away/home): Mike Fiers/Corey Kluber TV: MLB Network Stream: MLB.tv Radio: Houston / Cleveland Opening MLB Lines: Indians favored by TBA

Why Bet On Houston?

The Astros could be short-handed in the outfield. Jake Marisnick was placed on the 7-day concussion disabled list this week. Marisnick took early batting practice and ran in the outfield ahead of Tuesday night’s game against the Indians, but he apparently exhibited some post-concussion symptoms. He slammed hard into the outfield wall after making a catch on Sunday against the Rays. The team recalled OF Teoscar Hernandez from Triple-A Fresno. The 24-year-old was sporting a .930 OPS with four home runs, 15 RBI, three stolen bases, and 12 runs scored through 16 games this season at Triple-A. Meanwhile, George Springer’s streak of 205 straight games played ended Sunday because of a hamstring injury and he wasn’t in Tuesday’s starting lineup, either. So he’s iffy here. Carlos Beltrán needs 1 extra-base hit to tie Pete Rose for 3rd place all-time among switch-hitters. Among switch-hitters, Beltran ranks 4th in HR (423) and doubles (539) and 3rd in RBI (1543). RHP Chris Devenski has been on an outstanding run in the Astros bullpen since the start of the 2016 season. In that span, he leads all AL hurlers in ERA (2.08, 28ER/121.2IP) and WHIP (0.88) using a min. of 100.0 IP. In 2017, he has tallied 25 K’s in just 13.1 IP to lead all relievers in Ks. He matched a franchise record with 20 strikeouts in his 1st 10 innings of work this season (LHP Billy Wagner also had 20 K’s in 1999). The Astros go with right-hander Mike Fiers (0-1, 5.40) on the mound. Fiers had one a good season with the Milwaukee Brewers a few years ago, but outside of that he’s been your typical back-of- the-rotation starter. He is giving up a lot of home runs early on (six already), and he’s walking nearly three batters per nine innings. Fiers has enjoyed success against the Indians in his two career outings against them. The 31-year- old is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA vs. Cleveland and fired five innings of two-run ball in his only career start at Progressive Field.

Why Bet On Cleveland?

Manager Terry Francona is still being cautious with outfielder Michael Brantley coming off a biceps procedure that ended his 2015 season. Jason Kipnis returned on Friday from a strained shoulder that put him on the disabled list to begin this season. Neither has a set schedule to determine which days they’ll be in the lineup or how many games in a row they might play. It will essentially remain a day-by-day decision. Kipnis’ handling could follow a similar plan as with Brantley earlier this month. “I don’t think there’s been anything like concrete [set], kind of like what we did with Brant,” Francona said. “I just think it’s more maybe common sense than anything else. He feels really good. The idea is to keep him feeling really good while he builds up his endurance to games and things like that. And then once guys get into that feeling, sometimes you think you’re doing them a favor by giving them a day off and you’re really not.” It’s ace Corey Kluber (2-1, 4.28) here for the Tribe. Kluber scattered three hits and two walks while striking out nine in a complete-game shutout of the White Sox on Friday. Chicago hitters were overmatched all night, as Kluber faced just two batters over the minimum and didn’t allow a runner to even reach second base. After a couple of shaky outings to begin the campaign, the 31-year- old ace now appears to be back in his usual, dominant form. Despite the victory, Kluber’s career record in the month of April remains below .500 (7-10) and his April ERA stands at 4.05. If you’re wondering about a turning point, Kluber’s record is 9-15 through May 10, 51-30 thereafter. Houston’s Marwin Gonzalez is hitting .417 (5-for- 12) with one homer and an RBI against Kluber.

Houston at Cleveland MLB Betting Pick: Cleveland Indians

Kluber is 4-3 with a 3.17 ERA in his career against the Astros.