Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Kansas City Royals (36-52) and the Cleveland Indians (44-42) meet for the third game of their four-game series at Progressive Field Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Royals vs. Indians odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Cleveland has won the first two games of this series by a combined score of 9-5 including a 2-1 victory Friday after 1B Bobby Bradley hit a walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Season series: Indians lead 7-1.

LHP Mike Minor is Kansas City’s projected starter. Minor is 6-7 with a 5.36 ERA (102 1/3 IP, 61 ER), 1.27 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9 over 18 starts.

  • Last outing: Loss, 6-2, with 6 IP, 4 ER, 3 H, 3 BB and 6 K Monday against the Cincinnati Reds.
  • 2021 road splits: 3-2 with a 5.02 ERA (43 IP, 24 ER), 1.35 WHIP and 2.4 K/BB rate over eight starts.

RHP Cal Quantrill is on the rubber for the Indians. Quantrill is 0-2 with a 4.20 ERA (55 2/3 IP, 26 ER), 1.42 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 across seven starts and 18 relief appearances.

  • Last outing: No-decision with 5 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB and 3 K in Cleveland’s 4-3 loss to the Houston Astros Sunday.
  • 2021 home splits: 0-0 with a 3.71 ERA (26 2/3 IP, 11 ER), 1.43 WHIP and 2.8 K/BB rate across four starts.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Royals at Indians odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Royals +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Indians -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Royals +1.5 (-185) | Indians -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Prediction

Indians 3, Royals 2

Money line (ML)

Slight “LEAN” to the INDIANS (-130) for a quarter unit because there’s been “sharp” line movement towards Cleveland as it opened a -108 favorite but has been steamed up 22 cents on the dollar, and the Indians have owned the Royals this season.

My hesitation with the Indians in this spot is they have a losing record vs. lefty starters (16-18) and have a 7-18 record in games Quantrill has pitched in this season.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS because I don’t like Cleveland enough to lay it with the Indians -1.5 (+150) especially with their 19-23 ATS record at home this season. Also, Kansas City is 24-21 ATS on the road this year.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 8.5 (+100) for 1 unit is my favorite play in the Royals-Indians game since Cleveland’s lineup is terrible at home and against left-handed pitching and because the presumed “sharp” side of the market is backing the Under whereas the public is betting the Over.

For instance, Cleveland’s lineup is in the bottom 10 at home and vs. left-handed pitching in advanced hitting metrics such as wRC+, wOBA and OPS.

Moreover, Minor is 2-0  with a 1.77 ERA in his last five starts against them and hasn’t given up a home run in his last three starts against them, either.

Furthermore, K.C.’s lineup is in the bottom 3 of the majors on the road in wRC+, wOBA and OPS and is 23rd in hard-hit rate.

Also, according to Pregame.com, over 70% of the cash wagered on the total in Royals-Indians has been on the Under while more than 85% of the total bets placed are on the Over.

Generally, it’s profitable following the money in sports betting especially when it’s flowing in the opposite direction as the public.

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Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Kansas City Royals (36-51) and AL Central rival Cleveland Indians (43-42) continue their four-game series at Progressive Field Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Royals vs. Indians odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Cleveland won the first game of this series Thursday with a late-inning rally in which the Indians scored 6 runs in the final two frames to beat the Royals 7-4.

Season series: Indians lead 6-1.

RHP Brad Keller makes his 19th start for the Royals. He is 6-9 with a 6.39 ERA (87 1/3 IP, 62 ER), 1.82 WHIP, 4.5 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 this year.

  • Last outing: Loss, 6-2, with 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB and 7 K Sunday against the Minnesota Twins.
  • vs. Indians on the current roster: 52 at-bats with a .212/.323/.269 slash line, 10/7 K/BB, 0 HR and 3 RBIs.

RHP Triston McKenzie takes the ball for the Indians. He is 1-3 with a 6.38 ERA (42 1/3 IP, 30 ER), 1.58 WHIP, 8.3 BB/9 and 12.5 K/9 across 10 starts and one relief appearance.

  • Last outing: No-decision with 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 0 H, 4 BB and 0 K in Cleveland’s 5-4 win over the Seattle Mariners June 12.
  • McKenzie got a win May 6 against the Royals with a stat line of 5 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 BB and 5 K in Cleveland’s 4-0 victory.
    • vs. Royals on the current roster: 55 at-bats with a .145/.262/.218 slash line, 19/9 K/BB, 1 HR and 4 RBIs.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Royals at Indians  odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Royals +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Indians -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Royals +1.5 (-155) | Indians -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under: 10 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Prediction

Royals 7, Indians 5

Money line (ML)

GIMME the ROYALS (+125) FIRST 5 INNINGS for 1 unit. I’d argue K.C. has the edge in the starting pitching matchup even though Keller has been awful this season because McKenzie’s pitching peripherals are more concerning.

Their ERAs are nearly identical but Keller has a better xFIP and SIERA and McKenzie grades in the first percentile in both exit velocity and hard-hit rate, the second percentile in barrel rate and 23rd percentile in expected wOBA.

Furthermore, the starters’ basic stat lines against their respective Friday opponent are pretty even but Keller’s advanced numbers are more impressive than McKenzie’s.

Keller has a 2.42 FIP with a minus-3.3° launch angle and 89.1 mph exit velocity against active Indians hitters while McKenzie has a 3.87 FIP with a 19.5° launch angle and a 92.7 mph exit velocity against current Royals batters.

That being said, I’m sticking with the Royals’ First 5 Innings line because Cleveland’s bullpen is far better than K.C.’s and I don’t want to risk the Royals relievers choking this game away like they did Thursday.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS because K.C.’s run lines for both the full game and First 5 Innings are too expensive.

Typically, I’d prefer to lay it with the underdog’s First 5 Innings run line to get a half-run worth of insurance on top of my money line wager but BetMGM isn’t offering that as an option in Royals-Indians.

Over/Under (O/U)

Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 10 (-105) for a quarter unit, if at all, because the market is barreling into the Over, which has steamed the total up from the 9.5-run opener and I hate following a crowd in sports betting.

However, both starters are still finding their groove in the big leagues and have performed like back of the rotation guys thus far in 2021.

Also, a majority of the situational trends suggest a higher-scoring affair including Cleveland’s 24-15-2 O/U record at home and 22-15-3 O/U record in divisional games. The Over also cashed in four of the past five Royals-Indians meetings this season.

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Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Kansas City Royals (36-50) and Cleveland Indians (42-42) play the opener of a four-game set Thursday at Progressive Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Royals vs. Indians odds with MLB picks and predictions.

LHP Danny Duffy is the projected starting pitcher for the Royals. He is 4-3 with a 2.60 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 9.9 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 over 52 IP across 10 starts and one relief appearance.

The southpaw Duffy could be making one of his final starts in Royal Blue, as his name has been bandied about in trade rumors. He allowed two runs, six hits and two walks across four innings in a no-decision against Minnesota last time out.

Duffy has not won since May 1 in five starts and one relief appearance including a stint on the injured list. Still, he has an impressive 2.60 ERA, and that is particularly attractive to contenders.

RHP Zach Plesac is the projected starting pitcher for the Indians. He is 4-3 with a 4.14 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 5.8 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 over 58 2/3 IP through 10 starts.

Plesac is making his first start since May 23 when he broken his right thumb taking off an undershirt in anger after an ugly start against the Twins. He had won three straight decisions across the past six starts before his ailment, and his last loss was April 20.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Royals at Indians odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Royals +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Indians -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Royals +1.5 (-165) | Indians -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under: 9 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Royals 5, Indians 3

Money line (ML)

The ROYALS (+115) are the lean in this opener of the four-game set. The Indians (-140) just played a double dip Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Fla., against the Tampa Bay Rays and flew home to prepare for K.C. In fact, the Royals have been resting in Cleveland longer than the home team. The Indians enter on an eight-game slide.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The ROYALS +1.5 (-165) are a decent play if you’re not quite feeling Kansas City in the opener. However, Duffy has a solid ERA for a lower-echelon team and probably should have many more wins. For the Indians -1.5 (+140), Plesac is returning after a six-week absence, and who knows if he’ll have a little bit of rust.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 9 (-110) is the play in Thursday’s opener. With the exception of an eight-run outburst against the Rays Monday, the Indians have struggled to score lately. They have 20 total runs across the past eight games or just 2.5 runs per outing.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Cleveland Indians at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Cleveland Indians at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Cleveland Indians (42-39) and Tampa Bay Rays (48-36) play the opener of a three-game set Monday at Tropicana Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Indians vs. Rays odds with MLB picks and predictions.

LHP Logan Allen is the projected starting pitcher for the Indians. He is 1-5 with a 8.38 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, 7.0 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 19 1/3 IP over six starts.

Allen has taken losses in his last four starts. He allowed 3 runs (2 earned) and 3 hits with 2 walks in 3 2/3 innings Wednesday in a loss to the Tigers.

LHP Rich Hill is the projected starting pitcher for the Rays. He is 6-3 with a 3.70 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 8.7 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in 82 2/3 IP over 16 starts.

Hill was plagued by the long ball Tuesday coughing up 4 runs on 8 hits and a walk with 3 homers across 6 innings taking a loss at Washington. It was just the third time in 16 starts that he allowed multiple homers.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
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Indians at Rays odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:58 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Indians +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Rays -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Indians +1.5 (-110) | Rays -1.5 (+110)
  • Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Prediction

Rays 7, Indians 3

Money line (ML)

The Rays (-210) are a little too expensive and are a much better play on the run line. Tampa Bay is 6-3 in Hill’s past nine outings despite the loss last time out.

AVOID.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The RAYS -1.5 (-110) are a strong play at Tropicana in the series opener. Tampa Bay will be very happy to get back on its home field after an ugly road trip with little success. The Rays won four of the past five at home and have picked up victories in 12 of the last 15 in St. Pete. They’re the play against erratic Logan Allen and the Indians.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 8.5 (-120) is the play in Monday’s opener, and the home side has a chance of taking care of the number on their own against Allen. The Indians pitcher has served up 7 home runs across his past 7 1/3 innings over three starts. The Rays are ninth with 4.83 runs per game and are 16th with 1.2 home runs per contest.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Houston Astros at Cleveland Indians odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Astros at Cleveland Indians odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros (51-33) finish up their four-game series with the host Cleveland Indians (42-38) Sunday at Progressive Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Astros vs. Indians odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Houston looks to complete a four-game sweep of Cleveland Sunday after the Astros won the first three games by a combined score of 16-7.

Season series: Astros lead 3-0.

RHP Zack Greinke makes his 18th start for the Astros. Greinke is 8-2 with a 3.65 ERA (103 2/3 IP, 42 ER), 1.15 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 6.4 K/9 this year.

  • Last outing: No-decision with 5 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 1 BB and 4 K in Houston’s 9-7 loss to the Baltimore Orioles Monday.
  • vs. Indians on the current roster: 56 at-bats with a .286/.317/.446 slash line, 10/3 K/BB, 2 HR and 5 RBIs.

RHP Cal Quantrill is on the mound for the Indians. Quantrill is 0-2 with a 4.11 ERA (50 1/3 IP, 23 ER), 1.41 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 across six starts and 18 relief appearances.

  • Last outing: No-decision with 3 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 2 BB and 3 K Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers.
  • 2021 home splits: 0-0 with a 3.38 ERA (21 1/3 IP, 8 ER), 1.41 WHIP and 3.2 K/BB rate over three starts and eight relief appearances.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Astros at Indians odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Astros -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Indians +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Astros -1.5 (+100) | Indians +1.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under: 9 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Prediction

Astros 9, Indians 3

Money line (ML)

BET the ASTROS (-155) for three-fourths of a unit because they have the third-best road record in the majors at 25-17 and are by far the most productive lineup on the road.

Houston is first with 121 wRC+ on the road, first in road wOBA and OPS, and has the highest hard-contact rate on the road.

Even though Greinke doesn’t have the same caliber of stuff he did when he was an annual Cy Young contender, he is still a top of the rotation starter and the Astros are 12-5 when he starts while the Indians are just 7-17 when Quantrill makes an appearance.

Furthermore, Greinke has been much more effective on the road compared to his home starts. He is 5-0 on the road with a 2.06 ERA and 0.86 WHIP, compared to a 5.26 home ERA and 1.44 WHIP. He has a 4.4 K/BB rate on the road and just a 3.0 K/BB rate at home.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS since we are paying a steep enough price for Houston’s money line and the Astros -1.5 (+100) isn’t a big enough payout considering they have a 15-17 ATS record as a road favorite this season.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the OVER 9 (-120) for 1 unit because these teams have a combined 17-5 O/U record when these starters are on the mound and the Over cashed in eight of their past 11 meetings in Cleveland.

The Astros are also 24-16-2 O/U on the road and the Indians are 9-4-1 O/U as home underdogs.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Houston Astros at Cleveland Indians odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Houston Astros at Cleveland Indians odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros (50-33) and Cleveland Indians (42-37) continue a four-game series Saturday at Progressive Field with a 7:15 p.m. ET first pitch. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Astros vs. Indians odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Jake Odorizzi is the projected starting pitcher for the Astros. He is 2-3 with a 4.08 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 9.7 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 35 1/3 IP over eight starts and one long-relief appearance.

With the exception of back-to-back starts against Boston in early June Odorizzi has been almost perfect in his low-inning role with the Astros since returning from the IL. He totes a 15-inning scoreless streak into this start against the struggling Cleveland Indians who have a .691 OPS over the last two weeks.

RHP Eli Morgan is the projected starting pitcher for the Indians. In four starts Morgan has thrown 16 1/3 innings allowing 17 ER and has a 1.53 WHIP with 2 BB and 19 K.

Morgan has been undone around the margins in logging a 9.37 ERA and has yielded a ton of fly balls while coughing up 6 home runs.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Astros at Indians odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:03 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Astros -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Indians +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Astros -1.5 (-105) | Indians +1.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 10 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Prediction

Astros 5, Indians 4

Money line (ML)

Houston has scored 13 runs in taking the first two games of this series. Since June 4 the Astros have scored a whopping 6.5 runs per game on the strength of an .879 OPS.

Cleveland has lost four in a row and six of its last seven.

The Indians have the question mark on the mound. Peg HOUSTON (-160) as being a solid play.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the run line to risk less on the Astros. With some lean toward both starting pitchers and the Cleveland bullpen, and with an Under tilt as well, only a plus-money tag would make sense here.

Over/Under (O/U)

On a low-humidity night on Lake Erie and with some healthy respect of the Indians relief corps and both defenses, BACK THE UNDER 10 (-115).

Houston’s scoring binge has been fueled by a high average on balls in play (.332 over the last two weeks), and Statcast quality-of-contact metrics indicate that the Astros have been fortunate to own a .797 OPS overall.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Houston Astros at Cleveland Indians odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Houston Astros at Cleveland Indians odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros (49-33) and Cleveland Indians (42-36) continue a four-game series at Progressive Field with a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch Friday. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Astros vs. Indians odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Lance McCullers, Jr., is the projected starting pitcher for the Astros. He is 5-1 with a 2.94 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 9.8 K/9 and 4.7 BB/9 through 67 1/3 IP over 12 starts.

McCullers held the opposition to 2 or fewer earned runs in five of his last six starts. He owns a 2.86 ERA and 12.1 K/9 on the road.

LHP Sam Hentges is the projected starting pitcher for the Indians. In 13 games (6 starts), the rookie hurler is 1-2 with a 7.32 ERA, 1.99 WHIP, 9.6 K/9 and 5.0 BB/9 across 35 2/3 IP.

Hentges is coming off a disastrous outing in which he coughed up 6 ER in 3 1/3 IP at the Minnesota Twins Sunday.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Astros at Indians odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:35 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Astros -190 (bet $190 to win $100) |  Indians +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Astros -1.5 (-120) | Indians +1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: 9 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Astros 5, Indians 3

Money line (ML)

Houston took Thursday’s series opener 7-2 to snap a four-game losing skid. Since May 30, the Astros are 22-9 with a robust .864 OPS.

Cleveland has lost three in a row and five of its last six games.

Because Houston has struggled in 1-run games (7-8), it figures as being better than its 49-33 record. The ‘Stros are the lean at -185; otherwise, PASS.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

BACK THE ASTROS -1.5 (-120). The better Cleveland bullpen is a bit of an equalizer, but the price here makes Houston worth a hard look.

Over/Under (O/U)

On a cooler, breeze-in night, BACK THE UNDER 9 (-110).

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Houston Astros at Cleveland Indians odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Houston Astros at Cleveland Indians odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros (48-33) travel to Progressive Field Thursday to start a four-game series with the Cleveland Indians (42-35) at 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Astros vs. Indians odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Houston was just swept in a three-game home series against the Baltimore Orioles to extend its losing streak to four games. The Astros have lost two straight series to the Orioles and Detroit Tigers.

Cleveland has lost four of its last five games and two straight series against the Tigers and at the Minnesota Twins.

Season series: Tied 0-0.

RHP Framber Valdez makes his seventh start of the season for the Astros. Valdez is 4-1 with a 2.11 ERA (38 1/3 IP, 9 ER), 0.99 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 this year.

  • Last outing: Loss, 3-1, with 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 0 BB and 6 K Saturday at the Detroit Tigers.

RHP J.C. Meija is on the hill for the Indians. Meija is 1-2 with a 4.94 ERA (23 2/3 IP, 13 ER), 1.18 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 across five starts and three relief appearances in his rookie season.

  • Last outing: No-decision with 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB and 6 K in Cleveland’s 4-1 win at the Minnesota Twins last Thursday.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
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Astros at Indians odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1:12 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Astros -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Indians +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Astros -1.5 (-115) | Indians +1.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Prediction

Astros 5, Indians 2

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to the ASTROS (-190) for a half unit even though we are getting the worst of the number because “sharp” line movement has pushed Houston from a -165 opening line favorite to the current number.

However, Cleveland is just 15-16 vs. left-handed starters this season and the Indians lineup ranks in the bottom-10 of the majors against left-handed pitching in wRC+, wOBA and OPS.

Furthermore, Valdez has been lights out this season grading in the 85th percentile or better in expected wOBA, expected slugging percentage, barrel rate and BB%.

Also, Valdez was sensational in the month of June with a 4-1 record and 2.10 ERA with all five of his outings deemed quality starts.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS because the Astros -1.5 (-115) isn’t a big enough payout for how poorly their lineup has been hitting over the past week.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the UNDER 8.5 (-105) for 1 unit because both starters allow fewer than 1 home run per nine innings and the weather forecast is predicting 14 mph winds blowing in from centerfield.

Moreover, the Astros-Indians total opened up at a flat-9 and has been moved down to the current number despite more than 80% of the action is on the Over (according to Pregame.com). It’s a red flag when the House makes the more popular side cheaper.

Lastly, Valdez has been dominant so far this season and looks to be Houston’s most reliable starter and if Meija gets into trouble for Cleveland, he’ll at least be able to turn the ball over to an Indians bullpen that has the best xFIP in the league.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Detroit Tigers (34-45) and Cleveland Indians (42-33) play the second game of a three-game set Tuesday with a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Progressive Field. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Tigers vs. Indians odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Jose Urena is the projected starting pitcher for the Tigers. He is 2-8 with a 6.00 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 5.5 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 69 IP over 14 starts.

Urena was tattooed for six runs (four earned) and eight hits with two walks and just one strikeout across 3 2/3 innings in a fourth consecutive loss Thursday against the Houston Astros. He has a dismal 12.89 ERA in June.

RHP J.C. Mejia is the projected starting pitcher for the Indians. He is 1-2 with a 4.94 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 in 23 2/3 IP over 5 starts and 3 relief appearances.

Mejia is 0-2 in five starts this month, but he is coming off his best outing of the season. He allowed just one run on four hits and two walks with six strikeouts across six innings in a no-decision at the Minnesota Twins Thursday.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Tigers at Indians odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Tigers +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Indians -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Tigers +1.5 (-125) | Indians -1.5 (+105)
  • Over/Under: 9.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Prediction

Indians 7, Tigers 4

Money line (ML)

The INDIANS (-185) are just a little more expensive than my usual personal money line limit of -180. However, sometimes you have to make exceptions.

The Indians have won eight of the previous nine meetings with the Tigers, and Cleveland will beat up on the scuffling Urena here, too.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The INDIANS -1.5 (+105) are a much more attractive play on the run line at a better price.

Cleveland creamed Detroit 13-5 in the series opener and has won by two or more runs in each of its past three wins, and five of its previous seven victories.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 9.5 (+100) is the play in this one with the very giving Urena on the hill, and Mejia has allowed his fair share of runs, too.

The Over has connected in five of the past six for the Tigers as road underdogs, including the series opener Monday. The Over is also 6-1 in the past seven at Progressive Field for the Tribe, and 16-6-3 in the past 25 against AL Central opponents.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Detroit Tigers (34-44) and Cleveland Indians (41-33) play the first game of a three-game set Monday with a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Progressive Field. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Tigers vs. Indians odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Matt Manning is the projected starting pitcher for the Tigers. He is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 3.4 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 in 10 2/3 IP over 2 starts.

Manning picked up his first-career victory Wednesday against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals. He allowed two earned runs, five hits and two walks with one strikeout across 5 2/3 innings.

RHP Eli Morgan is the projected starting pitcher for the Indians. He is 0-2 with a 10.33 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, 11.9 K/9 and 1.6 BB/9 in 11 1/3 IP over 3 starts.

Morgan allowed four earned runs, four hits and no walks with a career-high nine strikeouts across five innings in a loss against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday at Wrigley Field.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Tigers at Indians odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Tigers +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Indians -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Tigers +1.5 (-155) | Indians -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under: 9.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Indians 6, Tigers 4

Money line (ML)

The INDIANS (-145) have dominated the Tigers (+120) over the years, and this season has been no exception. While Detroit won the first two games this season, it has been all Cleveland since. The Tribe have taken seven of the past eight meetings.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The INDIANS -1.5 (+125) are worth a small-unit play behind Morgan at home. Cleveland has won by two or more runs in each of its past two victories and four of the past six wins.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 9.5 (-110) is the lean here with a pair of rooks on the mound.

Plus, the Over is 5-0 in the past five series openers for the Tigers and 4-1 in the past five as a road underdog. The Over is 5-1 in the past six at home for the Indians and 15-6-3 in the past 24 against divisional foes.

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Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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