The set-up: The Astros have surprised the Indians by taking the first two of this four-game series at Cleveland, ending Kluber's seven-game winning streak last night in a 4-3 victory. An injury to ace Dallas Keuchel has caused a shakeup in the Astros' starting rotation but despite all the maneuvering, the Astros have pitched well in the first two games of the series, winning them both and outscoring Cleveland 10-5. The Astros have won three in a row overall and at 74-64, find themselves right in the thick of a four, five or maybe even a six-team race for one of two wild card spots. Meanwhile, despite the back-to-back home losses, the 79-58 Indians own a 4 1/2-game lead in the AL Central.

The pitching matchup: Doug Fister (12-10, 3.91 ERA) gets the nod for Houston on Wednesday, opposed by Cleveland's Carlos Carrasco (10-7, 3.06 ERA). Fister has struggled over his last five starts, going 2-3 with a 6.23 ERA. In one start against the Indians this year he pitched seven innings and gave up two runs and six hits. In 15 career starts versus Cleveland he is 5-3 with a 2.72 ERA but his teams are just 7-8. In contrast to Fister, Carrasco has been pitching well lately. He is 2-1 with a 1.40 ERA (28-2 KW ratio in 19 innings) over his last three starts he He has not faced the Astros this year. In five career appearances -- four starts -- against Houston he is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA (teams are 2-2 in those starts).

The pick: Elaborating on Fister's recent troubles, he endured his worst outing of the season last Friday, allowing a season-high eight runs on 10 hits in just 3 2/3 innings of a 10-8 loss versus Texas. Fister has allowed 21 runs on 35 hits in his last five outings, covering just 26 innings. Yes, the Indians have lost two in a row here at Progressive Field but they remain 45-25 on the season in their home park, averaging 5.67 RPG. Expect Cleveland to get to the struggling Fister and also note that Carrasco has struck out at least eight batters in six consecutive starts. Cleveland is an 8* play.