Cleveland @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 24, 2012 ) Cleveland 1, Houston 7

Two teams at the bottom of their respective divisions will try to gain momentum when the Houston Astros host the Cleveland Indians in the opener of a three-game series Friday. The Astros have lost five straight games following a three-game winning streak that came on the heels of six straight losses. The Indians have dropped their last four games heading into their 10-game road trip and never led while getting swept by the visiting Boston Red Sox in a three-game series that concluded Thursday.

The Indians have been hit by injuries to key players early in the season. Carlos Santana, who is hitting a team-high .405, missed three games with a thumb injury and second-leading hitter Michael Bourn (.333) is on the 15-day disabled list with a lacerated right index finger. Jose Altuve has been an effective leadoff hitter for the for the Astros, hitting .365 through the first 15 games.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), Comcast SportsNet Houston

PITCHING MATCHUPS: Indians RH Brett Myers (0-2, 8.82 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lucas Harrell (0-2 5.63)

Myers had allowed a major-league leading eight home runs heading into Thursday’s games. He has allowed four homers over his last two starts after surrendering four in his season debut against the Toronto Blue Jays. The opportunity to pitch in a familiar park that’s known for being pitcher-friendly could turn things around for Myers, who played 2 1/2 seasons with the Astros before he was traded to the Chicago White Sox last July. Myers had perhaps the best season of his 12-year career with the Astros in 2010, going 14-9 with a 3.14 ERA and finishing 10th in NL Cy Young voting. He’s been especially tough in his career on Houston shortstop Ronny Cedeno (1-for-14) and first baseman Carlos Pena (3-for-16).

Harrell has been the top home run supplier on his team, getting tagged for four long balls this season, including three at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Throw out that start against the Oakland Athletics and Harrell has allowed two earned runs in 11 2/3 innings. He was one out from earning the victory in his last start Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels, but the bullpen gave up a two-run walk-off double to first baseman Albert Pujols in the 5-4 loss. Harrell made a similar start against the Indians last July, allowing one earned run and two hits in seven innings but didn’t receive run support in the 2-0 loss.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians 2B Jason Kipnis could return to the lineup Friday. He missed the last five games with a sore left elbow.

2. Pena has struck out at least once in 13 of 15 games this season.

3. The Astros designated LHP Xavier Cedeno for assignment Thursday, called up 3B Brandon Laird from Triple-A Oklahoma and sent down struggling INF Brett Wallace.

PREDICTION: Astros 3, Indians 2