MLB Picks: Cleveland Indians vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Cleveland Indians (38-36) and Baltimore Orioles (42-34) will open up a four-game American League series Monday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET

Cleveland Indians vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are 20-13 as home favorites of -125 to -150 the last two-plus seasons

Cleveland had its four-game winning streak snapped last time out, as it suffered a 5-3 home loss to the Minnesota Twins Sunday, while going UNDER the betting total of 8.5. “We lost a tough game,” commented Indians manager Terry Francona. “I like the way we’re playing.” The Indians starting rotation has thrown the ball well recently, as it entered Sunday’s contest with a 2.97 ERA over its previous 12 games. Cleveland is 1-7 as road underdogs of +100 to +125, with the OVER going 4-3-1 in that situation.

Indians starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (5-4, 4.66 ERA) has led the club to back-to-back victories, including a no-decision effort in a 4-3 home win over the Kansas City Royals, as he allowed two runs and two hits over 5.2 frames. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 2.77 ERA in seven road appearances, with opposing hitters batting .203 against him. Jimenez will be facing the Orioles for the first time in his career.

Baltimore suffered a three-game sweep against the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend, including a 13-5 blowout loss on the road Sunday, while going OVER the betting total of 8.5. “They whipped us,” commented Orioles outfielder Adam Jones. “We ran into a good team, you have to tip your cap sometimes.” The Orioles finished 2-4 on their six-game road trip, as they look to turn things around in opening up a seven-game homestand in this spot. Baltimore is 20-13 as home favorites of -125 to -150 the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 18-14-1 in that situation.

Orioles starting pitcher Zach Britton (1-1, 5.56 ERA) is coming off a 5-2 road victory over the Detroit Tigers, as he allowed a single run and five hits over 5.1 innings, while issuing three walks and striking out just one batter. The left-hander is 8-6 with a 3.72 ERA in 19 career starts at home, with opposing hitters batting .309 against him. In two career outings versus the Indians, Britton has tallied a 1-1 record and 3.75 ERA.