Cleveland Guardians vs Arizona Diamondbacks 6/18/2023 Predictions, Picks and Odds
On Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 4:10 PM ET, the Cleveland Guardians will play the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB action at Chase Field, AZ. Remember how the 2022 Cleveland Guardians, who finished 29th, decided they wanted to increase their home run total after losing in the ALDS? The squad has hit the fewest home runs thus far in 2023, resulting in a runs-per-game average of 27th in the league. They may have the second-lowest strikeout percentage in MLB despite having the poorest rate of hard hits. The Guardians’ walk pace, ranked 25th, also precludes them from fully weaponizing their speed without revealing a defense deficiency. Cleveland is 16-5 when they score at least five runs.
Cleveland ranks sixth in team ERA with a bullpen that is second only to the Yankees. In a close game on Sunday, Tanner Bibee will try to do the beginning pitcher’s customary task of giving the ball to the big arms. His prior start wasn’t great either; it was also on the road. On Tuesday against San Diego, Bibee barely lasted four innings while allowing six runs with Cleveland’s offensive system, which seldom works. Bibee has a strong rookie season with a 3.81 FIP and a 105 ERA+ after nine starts. He struggled against another NL West team before facing a strong attack. This will be a difficult physical and mental test for Bibee. The Guardians’ bullpen relievers pitched 92 times in high-stakes situations and 61 times with runners on base. This season, the bullpen saved 41 games, which placed it sixth in MLB. The Guardians’ bullpen relievers had a 63.2% save percentage going into the game and had faced 80 save opportunities. This year, they have made 24 saves, but 14 of the 38 opportunities they had to win the game were lost. 19.8% of the 81 base runners the relievers received this season scored. The Guardians utilized 225 bullpen pitchers throughout the course of the year.
- The Guardians are 2-3 in their last five games against the spread.
- The Cleveland Guardians are 19-17 in their road matches against the spread.
- The totals went over in two of Cleveland’s last five matches.
Cleveland Guardians vs Arizona Diamondbacks 6/18/2023 Predictions, Picks and Odds
The National League West leaders and contenders for the league’s best record, the Arizona Diamondbacks, are reliving that sensation from 2011 at the moment. This team’s offensive is where it all begins to show that they are competent enough to be considered seriously. With the exception of drawing walks (21st in walk rate), Arizona is performing well in almost all areas. They are seventh overall in terms of runs per game, slugging percentage, strikeout rate, and stolen bases. Rookie Corbin Carroll has the highest offensive WAR and offensive winning % in the majors. It’s difficult to keep the Diamondbacks off the scoreboard.
With an ERA that ranks 18th, their pitching was not as great, however, it has since steadied a little. This squad routinely finds itself in high-leverage situations with the leads they receive, where many bullpen components have gained trust. Starting pitchers need to be effective; Zach Davies wasn’t at home. This year, he allowed 16 runs, 14 of which were earned, in 16.1 home innings. In 3.0 innings pitched on Tuesday, Davies gave up six runs, four of them earned, making it his poorest start of the season. He gave up three walks and six hits throughout that time. Even if Davies keeps the ball in the park better than he ever has in his career, the hits, walks, and runs are still pouring in. The Diamondbacks currently have a team FIP of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.359. A K/BB ratio of 8.50 was attained by THEM (588 strikeouts to 243 walks). They are the 24th-ranked MLB pitching staff with 605 total hits allowed. Regarding runs, they are 19th in the MLB. (4.74) runs per nine innings, and (81) home runs. The Arizona pitching staff had a 4.38-team ERA (304 earned runs allowed) and surrendered 329 runs this season.
- The Diamondbacks are 3-2 in their last five matches against the spread.
- The Arizona Diamondbacks are 22-9 against the spread in their road matches.
- The totals went over in two of Arizona’s last five matches.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Arizona Diamondbacks The MLB pick for this game is the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks are better equipped to take advantage of scoring opportunities in a game when the pitching might not be at its best. Especially in light of the Guardians’ dismal road record (16-20) and the fact that eight of their 12 runs throughout this road trip were scored in a single game. They each scored four before Saturday in the previous three. Arizona’s overwhelming offense made them more likely to succeed than Cleveland this season. The Snakes tackle the Guardians, a different squad, at home. The expected final score for the Diamondbacks’ victory is 6-3.
MLB Starting Time: 4:10 PM ET
Location: Chase Field, AZ
Date: Sunday, June 18, 2023
TV: BSAZ
MLB Odds: Cleveland Guardians -110
MLB Totals: 8
