MLB Game Preview: Cleveland Guardians (41-48) vs. Houston Astros (55-36)

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Matchup: Cleveland Guardians (41–48) vs. Houston Astros (55–36)
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Time: 8:10 PM ET
Venue: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
Broadcast: Bally Sports Great Lakes, AT&T SportsNet Southwest, MLB.TV
Streaming: FuboTV, MLB.TV (regional restrictions apply)

Game Overview

The Cleveland Guardians snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 7–5 win over the Houston Astros on Monday night, powered by home runs from José Ramírez and David Fry, and a clutch two-run double from Brayan Rocchio. The Astros, who had won five of their last six entering the series, will look to bounce back in Game 2 of this three-game set.

This is the sixth meeting of the season between the two clubs, with the season series now tied 2–2.

Starting Pitchers

TeamPitcherRecordERAWHIPK
GuardiansJoey Cantillo (LHP)1–03.411.3918
AstrosHunter Brown (RHP)9–31.820.90112
  • Cantillo is making just his third MLB start but has shown promise with a solid ERA and strikeout potential.
  • Brown has been dominant all season, earning AL Pitcher of the Month honors in June. He’s 6–1 at home and has allowed just 2 ER over his last 18 innings.

Key Players to Watch

Cleveland Guardians

  • José Ramírez: 15 HR, 42 RBI – Homered in Game 1 and leads the team in both categories
  • Steven Kwan: .298 AVG – 3-for-4 with an RBI in Monday’s win
  • Brayan Rocchio: 2-run go-ahead double in Game 1 – clutch performer with RISP

Houston Astros

  • Isaac Paredes: 19 HR, 49 RBI – Homered in Game 1, leads team in both categories
  • José Altuve: .272 AVG, 16 HR – Batting .500 over his last 5 games with 10 RBI
  • Yainer Díaz: .248 AVG, 12 HR – 5-game hit streak, .412 AVG over that span

Team Stats & Trends

CategoryGuardiansAstros
Record41–48 (4th AL Central)55–36 (1st AL West)
Last 10 Games2–87–3
Team ERA3.973.52
Batting Avg.224.260
Home Runs91118
Road Record21–2532–15 (Home)
  • The Astros are 9–0 in their last nine home games following a home loss.
  • The Guardians are 1–10 in their last 11 games and rank 30th in OPS vs. left-handed pitching.
  • Houston has outscored opponents by 19 runs over their last 10 games.

Game Odds

Cleveland Guardians      7

Houston Astros                 – 205

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Monday, July 7, 2025