Cleveland Guardians at Houston Astros 5/23/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

On Monday, the Cleveland Guardians open a three-game series on the road against the Houston Astros. Cleveland improved to 17-19 following its 6-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Friday. Cleveland's game scheduled for Saturday against the Tigers was postponed. The Guardians are third in the American League Central, five games behind the first-place Minnesota Twins.

Third baseman Jose Ramirez is batting .287, with 9 home runs, 37 RBIs, 39 hits and an on-base percentage of .380, which leads the Guardians in each category. Andres Gimenez is second in RBIs with 20. On Monday, the Cleveland Guardians will send Triston McKenzie to the mound. The right-hander is 2-3 with a 2.97 ERA, 34 Ks and 11 BBs.

Houston improved to 26-15 following its 2-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday. Justin Verlander improved to 6-1 with a 1.22 ERA after allowing six hits in six shutout innings with eight strikeouts and no walks.  Houston is first in the American League West, leading the second place Los Angeles Angels by 1 ½ games. 

Designated hitter Michael Brantley is batting .289 to lead Houston and has team highs in hits with the 39 and on-base percentage at .368. Left fielder Yordan Alvarez has 12 home runs to lead Houston and right fielder Kyle Tucker is the leader in RBIs with 26. On Monday, the Houston Astros will send Luis Garcia to the mound. The right-hander is 3-2 with a 3.35 ERA, 41 Ks and 12 BBs.