MLB is back in full swing after the All-Star break, and the games have been good. Indians vs Astros is one of the most compelling games across a very good MLB slate tonight. The Astros enter tonight’s contest as heavy -215 favorites thanks in large part to former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke’s looming presence on the bump.
Moneyline: CLE: +175 | HOU: -210 Spread: CLE: +1.5 (-110) | HOU: -1.5 (-110) Total: 9 – Over: (-105) | Under: (-115)
Greinke Elite Against Cleveland
Now I’m not going to sit here and tell you Greinke is half the pitcher he was in 2009. There are no more Cy Youngs in his future. However, he has been pretty darn good this season with 85 Ks and an 8-3 record in 115 innings pitched. (and no, I didn’t forget about his not so fantastic 3.59 ERA but hey, he’s winning games and striking people out, what more do you want from the guy?!)
Amongst a large number of very very good starts, there have been a few GREAT starts. One of them came just two starts ago for Greinke against the very same Cleveland Indians team he will be facing tonight.
In that game, Greinke struck out eight, matching his season high, and his most in an appearance since May 19th. He was also incredibly efficient that game, needing just 100 pitches to make one of his deepest runs of the season at 7.2 innings.
Embrace the Juice at 4.5
Indians vs Astros should be a great game tonight for a number of reasons, but because these are two strong and unpredictable AL teams, I am turning towards a player prop.
I know you are all smart. You’re looking at the 4.5 and saying wait, he’s only gone over that total once since May 25th! That’s a fair point, but Greinke has been living at that total for an entire month now. He’s struck out four or more in four straight appearances.
I don’t necessarily expect Greinke to repeat or top his 8 K performance from their last meeting. After all, that was two full weeks ago. What I can expect is for him to find that one extra strikeout needed to cash our over 4.5 (-120) ticket tonight.
Indians vs Astros Prediction
The Indians come into Houston after a three game trip to Oakland where they struck out 32 times collectively. Mix that with Greinke’s confidence and abilities, and wallah, you’ve got my favorite bet of the night.
Indians vs Astros Player Prop
Zack Greinke o4.5 Ks (-120)
