Astros vs. Indians, 7/1/21 MLB Betting Predictions & DFS Notes

Astros vs. Indians MLB Prediction

The suddenly struggling Astros will look to rebound in Cleveland on Thursday night when they open a new series versus the Indians at 7:10 p.m. ET. Will the Tribe pull off the upset or is there a better option on the board?

Game Snapshot

925 Houston Astros (-185) at 926 Cleveland Indians (+165); o/u 8.5

7:10 p.m. ET, Thursday, July 1, 2021

Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH

Houston Astros DFS SPIN

Framber Valdez allowed three runs over six innings Saturday in a loss to the Tigers. It was a seven-inning game since it was the first of a doubleheader, which means Valdez registered a complete game, a quality start and a loss. The big blow came in the form of a two-run home run hit by Zack Short, which was the first long ball of Short's career. It's the first time this season that Valdez has allowed three runs in a start, and it came in what looked on paper to be his easiest matchup to date. Still, he pitched pretty well, yielding six hits and no walks while striking out six. Valdez gets the Indians on the road next.

Cleveland Indians DFS Spin

J.C. Mejia allowed one run over six innings on Thursday in a no-decision against the Twins. Mejia compiled six strikeouts and only handed out a pair of free passes in this one. He also uncorked a wild pitch, which led to a run crossing the plate in the opening frame. The 24-year-old righty has recorded a lackluster 4.94 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 22/7 K/BB ratio across 23 2/3 innings (nine appearances, five starts) this season. He's in line for a tasty matchup against the Tigers at home on Tuesday evening. He's a viable streaming option for fantasy managers in deeper mixed leagues and AL-only formats.

Astros vs. Indians Betting Prediction

The over has cashed in six of the last eight meetings in Cleveland, is 11-5 in the Astros’ last 16 games overall and is 9-4 in Houston’s last 13 games versus a right-handed starter. On the other side, the over is 19-6-2 in the Indians’ last 27 games versus a left-handed starter, is 3-1-1 in their last five games overall and is 6-0 in their last six home games when facing a left-handed starter.

MLB BETTING PREDICTION: ASTROS/INDIANS OVER 8.5