Guardians vs Astros Preview: Bibee Battles Imai for Week 65

Tanner Bibee is pitching lights out for Cleveland. The young Guardians starter has already won two games this season with a 2.25 ERA. He's striking out batters at a serious pace and keeping his WHIP under control. The Astros just won their last two games, so they're hungry and looking sharp. Houston's rotation is being rebuilt without longtime ace Framber Valdez. Tatsuya Imai is new to Major League Baseball, learning the Astros way. This matchup will tell us plenty about where both teams stand right now in June.

Cleveland's got some real problems in the lineup right now. Star third baseman Jose Ramirez had hand surgery and won't play until July. That's a huge blow because Ramirez was stealing bases like crazy this year. Right fielder Chase DeLauter is also out with a rib fracture. Left fielder Angel Martinez bruised his foot and hit the injured list. The Guardians are 39-35 overall but just lost their last two games. They need to find offense fast without their biggest stars in the lineup.

The Astros are struggling at 35-41. They're in the middle of rebuilding their pitching staff after losing Framber Valdez. Josh Hader remains their star closer and one of baseball's best, but the rotation needs to step up. Houston's catching a break because Cleveland has so many injuries to key players. The Astros won their last two games, so momentum is building. Carlos Correa is done for the season with an ankle injury. This team needs wins now to stay in the race while their pitchers find their rhythm.