The Guardians don’t have much left to play for after they clinched the AL Central to secure the No. 3 seed in the postseason. But don’t tell that to Triston McKenzie, who looks to sustain his rock-solid pace from the last two months during the game Wednesday against the Rays.
Rays vs. Guardians odds
Odds provided by BetMGM
Spread: TB +1.5 (-225) vs. CLE -1.5 (+180)
Moneyline: TB (+105) vs. CLE (-125)
Total: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)
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Rays vs. Guardians prediction
Since Aug. 7, McKenzie has spun a 2.39 ERA with seven quality starts in nine tries. That includes an eight-inning, 13-strikeout game against the White Sox.
Tampa Bay will trot out former ace Tyler Glasnow for his first start in 15 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. There’s a temptation to bet this game under with two prolific arms on the mound, but Glasnow isn’t likely to go more than a few innings and it’s hard to predict how he’ll look in his return.
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The safer play is to directly fade this Rays lineup, which had scored two or fewer runs in five of seven games entering this series in Cleveland. Star shortstop Wander Franco (hand) and leadoff hitter Yandy Diaz (shoulder) are both fighting through nagging ailments, while former All-Star Brandon Lowe (back) was recently ruled out for the season.
Rays vs. Guardians pick
Rays team total Under 3.5 (-165, BetMGM)
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