Commercial Content, 21+
Get the free Action Network app for expert picks, live odds, bet tracking and more.
As the Guardians and Astros prepare for the first of a four-game series in Cleveland, Munaf Manji of The Action Network is here to share his best bet for the opener (video above).
The Astros will send ace Justin Verlander to the hill Monday while Cleveland, which has won three of its last four, deploy right-hander Zach Plesac.
For Manji, he believes Verlander is primed for another strong start as he seeks to continue his Cy Young campaign.
Astros vs. Guardians odds
Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook
Spread: HOU -1.5 (-115) vs. CLE +1.5 (-105)
Moneyline: HOU (-190) vs. CLE (+158)
Total: Over 8 (-115) | Under 8 (-105)
Astros vs. Guardians prediction
“This season, Verlander is 14-3 with a 1.81 ERA,” Manji says. “Over his last five games….he’s been even better. He’s 5-0 with a 0.78 ERA.”
Plus, although Verlander’s 0.78 ERA comes up against an xERA north of 2.00, there are other encouraging signs. For example, Verlander is 7-2 on the road this season with a 1.72 ERA. Plus, in Verlander’s 14 wins this season, the Astros have won 12 by at least two runs.
Justin Verlander Robert Sabo for the NY POSTOn the flip-side, Plesac has posted some alarming metrics of late. Just in his last five games, the right-hander is 0-4 with an ERA approaching 6.00. In that span, the Guardians have lost every game by at least two runs.
Additionally, Plesac allowed seven earned runs off nine hits in a previous start against the Astros this season, a game Houston ultimately won 7-3.
Betting on Baseball?
- Read our how to bet on baseball guide
- See sign up bonuses from the best baseball betting sites
- Check out the latest World Series Odds
For those reasons, Manji is recommending the Astros Run-Line at -115 tonight in Cleveland.
Astros vs. Guardians MLB pick today
- Astros -1.5 (-115) — via Caesars Sportsbook
