Guardians vs Astros Prediction - MLB Picks 8/2/23

Houston Astros (61-47) vs Cleveland Guardians (53-55)

Game Info: Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 2:10 pm (Minute Maid Park)

() () vs Tanner Bibee (7-2) (3.11)

Betting Odds: Houston Astros / Cleveland Guardians --- Over/Under: Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Houston Astros will host the Cleveland Guardians for their series finale this Wednesday from Minute Maid Park. Houston took game two behind a no-hitter from Framber Valdez, 2-0.

Guardians Preview & Projected Starter

Cleveland moved to 53-55 after falling to Houston. The Guardians couldn’t muster a hit in last night’s contest, and they’ll look for some redemption here in game three. Terry Francona’s team still sits second in the AL Central, just two games back of Minnesota. The Cleveland offense is scoring 3.98 runs per game, while batting .253, with a .316 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 3.83 ERA, with a 1.26 WHIP.

Tanner Bibee (7-2, 3.11 ERA, 91 Ks) will get the call for Cleveland. The rookie righty picked up his second straight win in the Southside last week, striking out six over 6.2 innings, while holding the White Sox to three runs. Bibee continues to pitch well and ascend among the rotation, and he’s posted a 5-0 record over his last seven starts. If Bibee keeps things going through the second half of the season, he will be a dark horse candidate for the AL Rookie of the Year Award.

Guardians Player Trends & Props

• Jose Ramirez had a big series in Chicago, but he’s been quiet here in Houston. Ramirez has recorded a hit in six of the previous eight games, and he leads Cleveland in hits (119) and home runs (18), while batting .290 and totaling 63 RBI.

• Josh Naylor’s five-game hit streak was ended by Framber Valdez, but he’s still posting team-leads in batting (.306) and RBI (79), with fifteen homers.

• Steven Kwan has produced a run in two of the last three games, and he’s tied with JRam for the team-lead in hits (119), while batting .276.

Astros Preview & Projected Starter

Houston enters at 61-47 after defeating Cleveland. The Astros completed a great Tuesday with the no-no from Framber Valdez, and they’ll look to bring the brooms out here in game three. Dusty Baker’s ballclub sits in second place of the AL West, just a ½ game back from first, and they currently hold a wildcard position. Houston offense is scoring 4.76 runs per game, while batting .248, with a .317 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 3.81 ERA, with a 1.27 WHIP.

Houston has yet to name a starter, indicating they may be turning to their fresh bullpen.

Astros Player Trends & Props

• Kyle Tucker has plated a run in three straight games, and he leads the Astros in hits (116), with strong splits of .301/18/72.

• Alex Bregman has reached base in eight of the last ten games, and he’s posting a line of .249/18/69.

• Yordan Alvarez smashed a three-run homer in Monday’s win, and he leads the ‘Stros in home runs (19), with 59 RBI.

• Jeremy Peña has multiple hits in three of the last four games, and he’s batting .242, with 39 RBI tallied.

• Jose Abreu is batting an identical .243, and he’s fourth on the team with 56 runs batted in.

Corey’s Free Pick

Tuesday was quite the day to be an Astros fan, as Justin Verlander returned to the fold, and Framber Valdez tossed a gem of a no-hitter, and I feel like the momentum may pour into Wednesday afternoon. Now, Houston won’t have the luxury of turning to the bullpen and trotting out a Valdez-like arm, but I feel like their bats come alive here and bring out the brooms. Tanner Bibee’s hot start in the big league could possibly factor in, as he’s been there best pitcher this season as a rookie, but the depth of this Astros’ lineup should find ways to give him trouble. We called a bounce back effort from Valdez, and he came through, now let’s ride with Houston to complete the series sweep here.