The Astros are living up to expectations thus far. At 13-6, they currently have the third-best record in the majors, the top spot in the American League West and are really looking good as +750 favorites to win the World Series.
Jose Altuve (.324), George Springer (seven homers, 13 RBIs) and Carlos Correa leads a potent Houston offense that averages at least four runs per game and sports a remarkable team triple-slash line of .266/.340/.419.
Correa, in particular, is off to a rough start this season, but his two-run homer in Sunday’s 6-4 win at Tampa Bay could be a sign of better things to come.
Dallas Keuchel (3-0, 0.96 ERA) has also been a delight to watch for the Astros, who are hoping to see him continue his brilliance in the series opener at Cleveland. He’s given up only one run in each of his three previous starts while striking out seven batters in his last two.
Cleveland’s beginning to pick up steam after its slow start to the season. The team has won six of its previous seven contests, with the lone loss on Sunday against the White Sox on the road.
Francisco Lindor has been one of the main catalysts for this recent surge, leading the Indians in batting (.315), homers (five) and hits (23) this season. He’s just 3-for-16 in his last four outings, but prior to that stretch, he was boasting a 12-game hitting streak. Lindor also belts a career .283 batting average against the Astros.
The Indians will likely need every bit of Lindor’s excellent form with Josh Tomlin (1-2, 11.68 ERA) getting the start. Tomlin has allowed 16 earned runs in three starts this season, including a pair of homers in a 10-4 home loss to the White Sox on April 13.
