MLB Predictions: Can the Indians top the Angels? 7/25/17

Posted on July 25, 2017

Will the Cleveland Indians take care of business at home when they open a series with the Los Angeles Angels tonight at 7:10PM ET? Here’s our MLB Predictions for tonight’s game.

THE ODDS

According to the latest oddsmakers, the Indians are favored at home tonight, as they are getting odds of -160 to win. The Angels are listed with odds of +150 to win, while the over/under total for the game has been set at 9 runs. These two haven’t met this season, but Cleveland has won five straight meetings with the Angels.

PITCHING MATCHUP

The pitching matchup tonight has Mike Clevinger (5-3, 2.73 ERA) on the mound to face Jesse Chavez (5-10, 4.88) of the Angels. Clevinger has been consistently strong, allowing just five earned runs combined over his last six starts. On the season, Clevinger has 73 strikeouts with 33 walks and a 1.12 WHIP. Chavez has been consistent lately as well, though not as strong. He has allowed nine earned runs combined over his last four starts. He has 83 strikeouts with 34 walks this season and a 1.36 WHIP.

INDIANS

Cleveland is on a four-game win streak entering this series, sweeping Toronto for three and then beating Cincinnati on Monday. The Indians are 52-45 overall and 25-24 at home. Cleveland is being led by Jose Ramirez, who has 30 doubles, 17 home runs and 51 RBI. Edwin Encarnacion has added 20 home runs and 55 RBI.

ANGELS

The Angels are coming off a series win over Boston at home. They have won three of their last four games. Los Angeles is now 49-51 overall and 22-28 on the road. Los Angeles is being led by Mike Trout, who has 19 home runs and 42 RBI over 55 games this season. Andrelton Simmons has 23 doubles, 11 home runs and 44 RBI.

MLB PREDICTIONS

Clevinger has been locked in. While he doesn’t get terribly deep into games, he puts his solid bullpen in a position to win almost each start. He shouldn’t struggle to much with this Los Angeles team, even with Trout back in the mix. Chavez has done some good things lately as well, but I don’t think he is going to be able to best Clevinger and he doesn’t have the same bullpen behind him.

MLB Predictions: Cleveland Indians -160