LA Dodgers at Cleveland Guardians odds, picks and predictions
LA Dodgers at Cleveland Guardians odds, picks and predictions
The LA Dodgers (34-21) and the Cleveland Guardians (29-25) wrap up a 3-game interleague series Wednesday at Progressive Field in Cleveland. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Dodgers vs. Guardians odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Dodgers lead 2-0
The Dodgers picked up a 7-2 win in the series opener Monday as a moderate favorite (-175), as the Over (7.5) cashed, as RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto baffled the Guardians for 6 strong innings and a quality start. In Tuesday's game, the Dodgers were even more impressive in a 9-5 victory as light favorites (-125), with the Over (9) cashing yet again.
In Tuesday's win, DH Shohei Ohtani became the first player to 20 homers this season, finishing 1-for-3 with the homer, 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored and 2 walks at the top of the order. It wasn't all great, as he also struck out twice. 3B Max Muncy finished 2-for-4 with a 3-run HR and 2 runs scored, while OF Michael Conforto was 2-for-3 with a solo homer.
For the Guardians, 2B Daniel Schneemann went 1-for-2 with a HR and 3 RBIs and SS Gabriel Arias went 1-for-4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Arias is 3-for-7 with 5 total bases and 2 RBIs in the series, posting doubles in each game. 3B Jose Ramirez extended his hitting streak to a career-high 20 games, while reaching base safely in 24 consecutive contests.
The Dodgers improved to 3-2 on the 6-game road trip, while cashing the Over in 3 of the 5 games, too. For the Guardians, they've dropped 3 in a row, while the Over is 3-1 across the previous 4 outings.
RHP Slade Cecconi was expected to start the series finale Wednesday, but he is nursing a tight right groin, and Guardians manager Stephen Vogt confirmed Cecconi will not pitch. He was 0-1 with a 16.50 ERA in a pair of relief appearances, allowing 4 HR with 13 H in 6 IP against the Dodgers as a member of the Diamondbacks, so it's probably just as well. Cecconi will be pushed back, and he could start Friday's series opener with the Los Angeles Angels.
Dodgers at Guardians projected starters
LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. TBD
Kershaw (0-0, 7.50 ERA) makes his third start. He has a 1.50 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 6.0 K/9 in 6 innings.
Last start (Friday): No decision, 2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 1 K (just 26 pitches in rain delay) in 7-5 win in 13 innings at N.Y. Mets
2024 road stats: 2-1, 3.86 ERA (16 1/3 IP, 7 ER), 2 HR, 5 BB, 8 K, 1.29 WHIP in 4 starts
Last start vs. Cleveland (Aug. 23, 2023): No decision, 2 IP, 1 ER, 1 H (solo HR), 0 BB, 4 K in 6-1 road win
Career vs. Guardians: 1-0, 3.79 ERA (19 IP, 8 ER), 3 HR, 6 BB, 17 K, 1.16 WHIP, 8.1 K/9 in 4 starts
No starting pitcher announced as Cecconi's replacement at time of publishing.
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Dodgers at Guardians odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:54 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML) : Dodgers -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Guardians +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
: Dodgers -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Guardians +115 (bet $100 to win $115) Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS) : Dodgers -1.5 (+120) | Guardians +1.5 (-145)
: Dodgers -1.5 (+120) | Guardians +1.5 (-145) Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Dodgers at Guardians picks and predictions
Prediction
Dodgers 6, Guardians 3
The DODGERS (-140) turn to the veteran southpaw Kershaw to complete the 3-game interleague series sweep. He was on his way to a strong effort against the Mets last time out before being frustrated by a rain delay.
With the Guardians forced to replace Cecconi on the fly, things are likely to be a bit in disarray, relying upon either a minor-league call-up or a bullpen option. Either way, it isn't likely to go terribly well.
Playing DODGERS -1.5 (+120) at plus-money is worth a roll of the dice.
Kershaw is making just his third start, and his last outing was rather abbreviated due to Mother Nature. He showed some signs of life before the rains came, and that is promising enough heading into a matchup with a Cleveland offense which has been struggling to produce runs consistently lately.
AVOID playing the total (9).
We haven't seen enough of Kershaw so far this season, and then there is the unknown with whom will toe the slab for the Guardians. There are just too many unknowns to throw good money at the total for this series finale.
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