Series Preview: Astros at Guardians

TL;DR

The Houston Astros face the Cleveland Guardians in a three-game series starting tonight. The Guardians aim to continue their strong performance against an Astros team struggling with pitching and defense.

Key points

Astros are 8-15, struggling with pitching and defense
Guardians are 13-10, looking to continue strong performance
Series features three games with specific pitching matchups
Jose Ramirez is close to 300 homers and 300 steals

Houston AstrosCleveland Guardians

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 18: Cleveland Guardians pitcher Cade Smith (36) its congratulated by Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor (23) following the Major League Baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Guardians on April 18, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Houston Astros come to town tonight, looking to get back on track, while the Guardians look to continue their strong start with another series win. The Astros are 8-15 and third in wRC+ at 122, ninth in Baserunning Runs Above Average at 1.2, 21st in Defense at -5.4, last in starting pitcher ERA at 6.34 (4.59 FIP), and 24th in bullpen ERA at 5.21 ((4.26 FIP). The Guardians are 13-10 and 17th in wRC+ at 100, 25th in Baserunning Runs Above Average at -1.5, ninth in Defense at -0.2, fourth in starting pitcher ERA at 3.10 (3.93 FIP), and 29th in bullpen ERA at 6.18 ERA (5.39 FIP). On paper, looks like the Guardians need to hope the past couple games of bullpen improvement can hang around, then they will have a good chance of keeping that Astros’ offense in check. Putting the ball in play a good bit should help as the Houston defense looks bad, so far. It’s tough to read TOO much into trends for another couple weeks, at least, but surface level, the Guardians have a clear path to take this series. **MATCHUPS:** Game One, Monday, 6:10PM ET: , RHP 5.03 ERA (4.50 SIERA) vs. , RHP 1.50 ERA (3.28 SIERA). Game Two, Tuesday, 6:10PM ET: , LHP 1.05 ERA (3.23 SIERA) vs. , RHP 4.91 ERA (7.18 SIERA). Game Three, Wednesday, 1:10PM ET: , RHP 4.81 ERA (3.96 SIERA) vs. , RHP 7.20 ERA (2.15 SIERA). This will be a big series for the Guardians to show that they are more of an alpha team in the AL than the Astros. The Astros are reeling… (Mortal Kombat voice) FINISH THEM. Also, ’s official countdown to 300 homers/300 steals: 9 homers left, 3 steals left.

Q&A

What are the pitching matchups for the Astros vs Guardians series?

The matchups are Slade Cecconi vs. Spencer Arrighetti, Parker Messick vs. Ryan Weiss, and Tanner Bibee vs. Peter Lambert.

How are the Astros and Guardians performing this season?

The Astros are 8-15 with poor pitching stats, while the Guardians are 13-10 and have shown improvement in their bullpen.

What does Jose Ramirez need to reach 300 homers and 300 steals?

Jose Ramirez needs 9 more home runs and 3 more steals to achieve the milestone of 300 homers and 300 steals.