Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays – As the MLB season progresses, the matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field presents intriguing options for bettors. This game not only features teams at different spectrums of the standings but also highlights a pivotal pitching duel that could sway the outcome. For those looking for MLB picks today, the contrasting records and styles of starters Carlos Carrasco and Taj Bradley offer a deep dive into strategic betting.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Date & Time: Friday, July 12, 2024, at 6:50 PM ET
Location: Tropicana Field
TV: ATV+
Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Guardians | +118 | +1.5 (-185) | 8 over (-120) |
| Rays | -128 | -1.5 (+150) | 8 under (+100) |
Cleveland Guardians Analysis
The Guardians have performed very well in attack this season owning a team batting average of .246 and 743 hits. His team’s ability to get on base of .320 and slugging at .411 depicts their efficiency on how they turn plays into scores: 449 total runs.
In defense, Cleveland has not been not as flamboyant, but balanced, boasting a collective ERA of 3.72 a WHIP of 1.21. Although pitching staffs appear to be vulnerable when on the road and this can be an issue in facing the Rays’ hitters.
Carlos Carrasco starts the game with a not very impressive 5.22 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP in 81 innings. Nonetheless, the numbers do not lie; Carrasco possesses the experience, and a lethal fastball that gives the opponents the kiss of the stick (65 strikeouts this season) which shouldn’t be undermined when the stakes are high.
Tampa Bay Rays Analysis
The Rays are too low in their batting average with a team total of .235 and their on-base plus percentage lower at .311. They have managed to score as many as 365 runs and to hit as many as 83 home runs – although one may have the impression that consistency is not exactly their strong suit.
On the pitching side, Tampa Bay has an era of 4.31 and WHIP of 1.26 which suggest times when they have lost the plot on games. This aspect could be very decisive in determining the final result of a game against a team like the Guardians who have mastery in exploiting all the errors that the other team would be making.
Out of all the pitchers in the Rays, the starting pitcher Taj Bradley looks promising as he has posted a 3.23 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 61.1 innings pitched. Considering the hit rates and the number of strikeouts allowed, thus, the hits allowed 47 and strikeouts 77 Bradley may turn into a protector of the Rays.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays Against the Spread
The Guardians’ recent form shows a struggle against the spread, particularly in away games. Despite being 3-2 in their last 5 overall games, their performance against the spread (0-5 in the last 5 games) highlights potential betting risks.
Conversely, the Rays, despite their recent 1-4 slump, show slightly better consistency against the spread in their last few games. With a 22-20 record in their road games against the spread, they pose a tricky challenge for bettors considering the spread option.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and starting pitchers, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Tampa Bay Rays (-128). The pitching advantage with Bradley and home field may just tip the balance in favor of the Rays.
Spread: Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-185). Given the Guardians’ ability to keep games close with their offensive knack, taking them with the points is a safer bet.
Total: Over 8 (-120). Both teams have shown tendencies to push the total over in recent games, making the over a compelling choice.
Predicted Score: Tampa Bay Rays 5, Cleveland Guardians 4
As we look at the best betting sites in Canada, this matchup presents a well-rounded opportunity for various betting strategies. The most reliable pick appears to be the over on the total, considering both teams’ recent form and the starting pitchers’ profiles, which suggest potential for a higher-scoring affair.
