The Guardians vs Astros rivalry is one of the most heated in baseball, with a rich history and plenty of memorable moments. From the early days of the Indians and Colt .45s to the present day, these two teams have been battling it out on the field, and the intensity is only growing.
In recent years, the Guardians and Astros have been two of the most successful teams in the American League, and their matchups have always been highly anticipated. With both teams looking to make a deep playoff run in 2023, this year’s Guardians vs Astros series is sure to be one for the ages.
Team History
The Cleveland Guardians, formerly known as the Indians, were founded in 1901 as one of the eight charter members of the American League. They have won two World Series titles (1920, 1948) and 11 American League pennants.
The Houston Astros were founded in 1962 as the Colt .45s and moved to Houston in 1965. They have won two World Series titles (2017, 2022) and four National League pennants.
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The Guardians and Astros have met in the playoffs four times, with the Guardians winning in 1995 and 2017, and the Astros winning in 2018 and 2022.
Current Rosters
| Position | Guardians | Astros |
|---|---|---|
| Catcher | Austin Hedges | Martin Maldonado |
| First Base | Josh Naylor | Yuli Gurriel |
| Second Base | Andres Gimenez | Jose Altuve |
| Third Base | Jose Ramirez | Alex Bregman |
| Shortstop | Amed Rosario | Jeremy Pena |
| Left Field | Steven Kwan | Kyle Tucker |
| Center Field | Myles Straw | Chas McCormick |
| Right Field | Oscar Gonzalez | Hunter Renfroe |
| Designated Hitter | Franmil Reyes | Yordan Alvarez |
The Guardians have a young and talented roster, with several players who have emerged as stars in recent years, including Jose Ramirez, Steven Kwan, and Andres Gimenez. The Astros have a more experienced roster, with several veterans who have played in multiple World Series, including Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Yordan Alvarez.
Team Performance
| Season | Guardians | Astros |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 92-70 | 106-56 |
| 2021 | 80-82 | 95-67 |
| 2020 | 35-25 | 29-31 |
| 2019 | 93-69 | 107-55 |
| 2018 | 91-71 | 103-59 |
The Astros have been one of the most successful teams in baseball in recent years, winning the World Series in 2017 and 2022. The Guardians have also been competitive, winning the American League Central Division in 2016 and 2017.
Pitching Matchups
| Pitcher | ERA | K |
|---|---|---|
| Shane Bieber (Guardians) | 2.88 | 248 |
| Justin Verlander (Astros) | 1.75 | 240 |
| Triston McKenzie (Guardians) | 3.24 | 191 |
| Lance McCullers Jr. (Astros) | 2.27 | 179 |
| Cal Quantrill (Guardians) | 3.38 | 186 |
| Cristian Javier (Astros) | 2.54 | 187 |
The Guardians and Astros have two of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Shane Bieber and Justin Verlander are both former Cy Young Award winners, and Triston McKenzie and Lance McCullers Jr. are both young pitchers with breakout potential.
Batting Lineups: Guardians Vs Astros
| Batter | AVG | HR |
|---|---|---|
| Steven Kwan (Guardians) | .328 | 6 |
| Jose Altuve (Astros) | .315 | 28 |
| Jose Ramirez (Guardians) | .284 | 29 |
| Yordan Alvarez (Astros) | .311 | 37 |
| Amed Rosario (Guardians) | .283 | 11 |
| Alex Bregman (Astros) | .259 | 23 |
| Myles Straw (Guardians) | .285 | 3 |
| Kyle Tucker (Astros) | .257 | 30 |
| Oscar Gonzalez (Guardians) | .291 | 11 |
| Hunter Renfroe (Astros) | .255 | 29 |
The Guardians and Astros have two of the most balanced offenses in baseball. Steven Kwan and Jose Altuve are both leadoff hitters who can get on base, while Jose Ramirez and Yordan Alvarez are both power hitters who can drive in runs.
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Home Field Advantage
The Guardians have a slight home field advantage at Progressive Field, where they have a 52-29 record in 2023. The Astros have a more significant home field advantage at Minute Maid Park, where they have a 56-25 record in 2023.
The Guardians’ home field advantage is due in part to the crowd support, which is always loud and enthusiastic. The Astros’ home field advantage is due in part to the stadium dimensions, which are favorable to hitters. Minute Maid Park has a short porch in left field, which makes it easier for left-handed hitters to hit home runs.
Final Thoughts
The Guardians vs Astros rivalry is one that is sure to continue for many years to come. With both teams young and talented, there is no telling what the future holds for this historic matchup.
FAQs
Who are the Guardians?
The Guardians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are a member of the American League Central division.
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Who are the Astros?
The Astros are a professional baseball team based in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the American League West division.
What is the history of the Guardians vs Astros rivalry?
The Guardians and Astros have been rivals since the early days of the Indians and Colt .45s. The two teams have met in the playoffs on several occasions, including the 2018 ALDS.
