Astros vs. Guardians Prediction and Odds for Sunday, August 7 (Javier Could Get Hurt by the Longball)
By Josh Yourish
The early game on Sunday features the Houston Astros and Cleveland Guardians concluding their series in Cleveland. The Guardians are still battling for the AL Central, but Houston has greater ambitions. They are sitting atop the AL with the Yankees as the only two teams in the American League over 70 wins. The Astros are gunning for the top spot in the league and a long playoff run.
Cristian Javier makes the start for the Astros today and he is opposed by Triston McKenzie.
You can find odds for this matchup at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Astros vs. Guardians Odds, Run Line and Total
Run Line
- Astros -1.5 (+120)
- Guardians +1.5 (-140)
Moneyline
- Astros -150
- Guardians +130
Total
- 8.0 (Over -110 / Under -110)
Astros vs. Guardians Prediction and Pick
Both starters in this one have lost their last two starts, but one of them pitched a little bit better than the other. Christian Javier gave up three over five innings and two over six compared to McKenzie’s four over seven and four over six.
Triston McKenzie has a 3.38 ERA, but that figure might be a bit misleading. He has a 4.10 FIP and an expected ERA right around league average. He’s an average pitcher and it usually takes more than that to beat the Astros, but there is one alarming sign for Javier that points the Guardians way.
Cleveland is 15-5 in games where they hit two or more home runs. While Javier has been the better pitcher of the two in this matchup, he has had problems with the longball lately. He has given up 12 all year, but four of those have come in his last three starts. He gives up an average exit velocity that ranks in the bottom quarter of the league.
If the Guardians can go yard off of Javier then they have a chance to win this one as a home underdog.
Pick: Guardians +1.5 (-140)
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