Guardians vs Astros Preview: Pitching Duel Sparks Week 65

The Guardians roll into Houston at 40-36, but they're limping. Star third baseman Jose Ramirez is out for weeks after hand surgery. Right fielder Chase DeLauter has a rib fracture. Left fielder Angel Martinez is sidelined too. Cleveland leans hard on pitching—always has. Joey Cantillo takes the mound for the visitors. The young right-hander is 1-1 with a 6.82 ERA. That's rough. But the Guardians rotate—Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee anchor it—stays solid. They need Cantillo to eat innings and keep runs off the board. No room for mistakes when your lineup is this beat up.

The Astros sit at 36-41 and just won three straight. That's the momentum you want heading into a weekend matchup. But Houston is missing major pieces. Shortstop Carlos Correa is out for the season with an ankle injury that needs surgery. Pitcher Cristian Javier is close to returning from shoulder problems. Lance McCullers threw live batting practice Friday—he might pitch soon. Spencer Arrighetti starts Saturday. The 24-year-old is 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA. Houston's rotation is rebuilding. Star closer Josh Hader stays healthy and dangerous. That bullpen arm could win close games.

You're watching two young arms clash Saturday. Cantillo versus Arrighetti—both made their MLB debuts just last year. Cantillo's numbers aren't pretty right now. But he's part of Cleveland's deep pitching stable. Arrighetti walks the same path. He's learning on the job with the Astros. Both teams are fighting for ground in tight division races. Injuries have knocked both rosters around. This game comes down to who throws strikes and avoids damage. One mistake could shift momentum. These young pitchers are hungry to prove they belong.