Game 161 of the season unfolds on Saturday when the Houston Astros (86-73, 1st AL West) face off against the Cleveland Guardians (92-67, 1st AL Central). The first match of the series was played on Friday evening (Note: This article was published before Friday’s results). Houston leads the season series against Cleveland 2-1. The Astros will be sending Justin Verlander (5.55 ERA) to the mound, while the Guardians will counter with Ben Lively (3.80 ERA). The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
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Astros Struggle as Playoffs Approach
The Houston Astros seem to be coasting as they prepare for the playoffs. Having already clinched the AL West title, they are assured the 3-seed in the American League Playoffs. Their recent performance has been less than stellar, dropping three of their last four games, including a disappointing series against the Angels and a two-of-three loss to the Mariners. Their single victory against Seattle, however, was enough to secure the AL West crown, which may have contributed to their recent lack of urgency as they eye the postseason.
Yordan Alvarez remains in Houston, where the training staff is focused on his knee recovery ahead of the playoffs. Jose Altuve and Kyle Tucker were rested in their last game against the Mariners but could return for this series. Altuve, the leadoff hitter, has 20 home runs and 22 stolen bases this season, boasting a .293 batting average, the best on the team outside of Alvarez. Tucker’s season has been marked by injury, yet he still managed 23 home runs and 48 RBIs, demonstrating his resilience. Meanwhile, Alex Bregman may be finishing his tenure with the Astros as his contract ends this season; however, he continues to produce, with 26 home runs and 74 RBIs to his name.
Justin Verlander is preparing for his 17th start of the season. This 41-year-old right-hander has a record of 4-6, but the Astros have emerged victorious in his last two outings. His current ERA stands at 5.55, backed by 69 strikeouts and 27 walks, alongside 14 home runs surrendered this year. In his most recent start, Verlander pitched 4.2 innings, giving up six earned runs in a win against the Angels.
Guardians Eye AL Top Seed
The Cleveland Guardians have secured a playoff spot and are positioned to earn a first-round bye, likely landing as either the one or two seed in the American League. Currently, they trail the Yankees by just one game for the top spot. However, due to their 4-2 loss in the season series against New York, the Guardians must outperform the Yankees in the standings to claim the top seed. They need to win both games against the Astros while hoping for a Yankees’ sweep to shift the balance in their favor. Given that New York is facing the Pirates, the Guardians are probably looking at securing the two seed instead.
Both teams had Thursday off leading into this matchup. Cleveland’s star players are set to take the field as they continue their pursuit for the top spot. Key hitters like Jose Ramirez, Josh Naylor, and Steven Kwan are all expected to be in the lineup. Ramirez is enjoying an outstanding season, leading the Guardians with 38 home runs, 115 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases. Naylor, known for his power, has contributed 31 home runs and 108 RBIs. Ramirez typically bats third, with Naylor following in the cleanup spot, while Kwan leads off the order, hitting .292 with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs.
Ben Lively is set for his 29th and final start of the season. The 32-year-old right-handed pitcher has established himself as a key part of Cleveland’s postseason rotation, holding a 13-9 record this year. The Guardians have claimed victory in four of Lively’s last five starts. His current ERA is 3.80, which includes 114 strikeouts against 45 walks and 23 home runs allowed. In his last outing, Lively pitched five innings, allowing just one earned run in a win over the Cardinals.
Expert Predictions for Astros vs. Guardians
With more at stake and a stronger pitcher on the mound, the Guardians are the clear choice in this late-season matchup. The Astros, having secured their playoff position, may opt to rest key players to keep them healthy for the upcoming series. Yordan Alvarez is absent from this road trip, and other stars, including Altuve and Tucker, missed their last game against the Mariners, raising doubts about their availability for this series. While Verlander is a future Hall of Famer, his current form is not what it used to be; his ERA has soared to 5.55 this season and has unfortunately climbed to 10.90 in the last month. On the other hand, Lively has been effective, contributing to Cleveland’s recent success. The Guardians have won the last three games with him on the mound, and they are likely to secure another victory here.
Expect Cleveland to take the win.
