Cleveland Guardians (57-35) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (45-47)
This upcoming matchup pits the surging Cleveland Guardians against the struggling Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, promising an intriguing contest for MLB enthusiasts and bettors alike. The Guardians’ robust season record positions them as a formidable contender, contrasting starkly with the Rays’ near-even win-loss tally. Scheduled for Friday, July 12, 2024, at 6:50 PM ET, this game is a prime candidate for the best live betting, offering dynamic in-play odds as the action unfolds. For those tuning in, coverage is available on ATV+ with additional streams on MLB.TV.
The Cleveland Guardians have an offense, which is the batting average of the entire team is .246 base hits with 449 runs and 106 home runs. The team’s .411 slugging and .320 on-base percentage tell about their performance of the batter to bring home the runs and add pressure on the pitcher. Their spread record in the road was not as impressive (24-26) indicating that the team may show some weakness in playing in unfamiliar territories, something that might work to the receivers’ disadvantage at the Tropicana Field in Tampa.
On the other hand, Tampa Bay Rays have a team batting average of .235 and a lower slugging percentage of .368. In this regard, in comparison to the Guardians, the Rays have not been able to assemble the same level of constant and sustainable offense steadily. Their pitching staff has been acceptable though not forceful enough to offset the lackluster offense, reflected in a team ERA of 4.31 and WHIP of 1.26. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay Rays’ record has remained slightly better ATS when the games are on the road (22 – 20), meaning that the home ground factor might work in the Rays’ favor.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays Game Info
| When: | Friday, July 12, 2024 at 6:50 PM ET |
| Where: | Tropicana Field |
| TV: | ATV+ |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Starting Pitchers: Carlos Carrasco (3-6, 5.22 ERA) vs. Taj Bradley (3-4, 3.23 ERA)
Carlos Carrasco of the Guardians has had a tough season having a 5.22 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 81 innings pitched. His score in home runs given (14) and hits allowed (85) can be a decisive factor in this match. Carrasco’s K prowess (85 Ks) and experience are useful, but his current performance implies he is susceptible to exploitation by the Rays.
Taj Bradley stands as a ray of sunshine for the Rays, having accumulated a rather decent 3.23 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. His propensity to allow hits is decent (47 over 61.1 innings) and is backed by adequate strikeouts (77) which makes Tampa Bay secure a good starting pitcher. Bradley’s play will be crucial to establish Houston’s approach against a scoring threatful Guardians roster.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Tampa Bay Rays -128, Total Odds: 8
The betting lines indicate a slight favoritism towards the Rays, likely influenced by their home field advantage and Bradley’s pitching form. The total set at 8 runs, coupled with prevailing trends, suggests expectations for a high-scoring game, reflecting both teams’ capacity to put runs on the board.
Cleveland Guardians Betting Trends
The Guardians have shown a propensity to exceed total run expectations recently, with the total going OVER in 4 of their last 5 games. Their inability to cover the spread in recent outings (0-5 ATS in last 5 games) paints a concerning picture for bettors leaning towards Cleveland, especially in an away setting.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends
The Rays’ recent games have seen fluctuating outcomes regarding the totals, with only 2 of their last 5 games surpassing the over mark. Their ATS record is slightly better than their overall performance, suggesting they occasionally outperform betting expectations, especially at home.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays 7/12/24 Betting Picks
Given the contrasting forms of the starting pitchers and the overall team dynamics, this game presents a complex puzzle for bettors. The Rays’ edge in starting pitching and home advantage might tilt the scales in their favor against a statistically superior Guardians team.
For daily MLB picks, consider the Rays to leverage their home field and a strong start from Bradley to cover the spread. The total runs might push towards the OVER, influenced by the Guardians’ recent high-scoring games and Carrasco’s vulnerability on the mound.
