Tampa Bay (64-67) vs Cleveland (64-66)
August 26, 2025 at 06:40 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Cleveland +1.5 — Over/Under: +7.5
In this article we will formulate a Rays vs Guardians prediction for this MLB game on Tuesday, August 26th at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays are 64-67 this year after they won game one by a score of 9-0 on Monday night. Tampa Bay took the lead in the fourth inning and never looked back in the blowout win. The Rays recorded 14 hits in the game and they were led by Caminero, who went 4-5 with two home runs and three RBIs in the win. Tampa Bay started Seymour, who allowed one hit and zero earned runs over 5.0 innings for the win, while Englert pitched two scoreless innings in relief.
Prior to this series, the Rays won two out of three against the Cardinals, but did lose both against the Yankees before that. Tampa Bay has won three games in a row and they are currently fourth in the AL East standings. The Tampa Bay pitching staff has a 3.97 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP and a .238 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 593 runs with a .252 batting average and a .315 on base percentage this season. Junior Caminero has led Tampa Bay with 39 home runs and 94 RBIs, while Brandon Lowe has added 25 home runs and 63 RBIs for the Rays this year. The projected starting pitcher for Tampa Bay is Shane Baz, who is 8-10 with a 5.22 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP over 138.0 innings pitched this year.
Cleveland Guardians Betting Preview
The Cleveland Guardians are 64-66 this season after they were shutout in game one on Monday night. Cleveland had a ton of problems at the plate and never had a chance in the game. The Guardians recorded just two hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Arias and Rocchio, who both had one hit. Cleveland started Bibee, who allowed eight hits and five earned runs over 6.0 innings for the loss, while Herrin allowed three earned runs in relief.
Prior to this series, the Guardians lost all three against the Rangers and two out of three against the Diamondbacks. Cleveland has lost six games in a row and they are third in the AL Central standings. The Cleveland pitching staff has a 3.97 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP and a .244 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 501 runs with a .224 batting average and a .296 on base percentage this season. Jose Ramirez has led Cleveland with 26 home runs and 68 RBIs, while Kyle Manzardo has added 21 home runs and 55 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Cleveland is Parker Messick, who is 0-0 with a 1.35 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP over 6.2 innings pitched this season.
Why the Guardians will beat the Rays
- The Rays have lost each of their last nine games as road underdogs against American League opponents following a road win.
- The Guardians have won 16 of their last 17 Tuesday night games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Rays have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games as underdogs against American League opponents.
- The Guardians have covered the run line in three of their last four night games at Progressive Field following a home loss.
- The Rays have trailed after 3 innings in six of their last eight games as underdogs.
Total Runs Facts
- Seven of the Guardians’ last eight games as favorites against the Rays have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Seven of the Rays’ last eight games against American League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in nine of the Guardians’ last 10 games.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in five of the Rays’ last six games at Progressive Field.
Cleveland Guardians Player Prop Facts
- Jose Ramirez has hit at least one home run in four of the Guardians’ last five Tuesday games against opponents that held a losing record.
- Brayan Rocchio has recorded at least one hit in each of the Guardians’ last seven games as favorites against AL opponents.
Tampa Bay Rays Player Prop Facts
- Yandy Diaz has hit a home run in three of the Rays’ last four games against AL Central opponents that held a losing record.
- Brandon Lowe has recorded at least one hit in 14 of his last 15 road appearances against AL opponents that held a losing record.
- Josh Lowe has recorded a Double in three of his last four road appearances against AL opponents.
Rays vs Guardians Prediction
Cleveland comes into this contest searching for answers, as they have been shutout in three straight games. The Guardians are 31-32 at home this year, while the Rays are 30-34 on the road. Tampa Bay has scored 26 runs in their last three games and they are facing Messick, who is making just his second start. Cleveland is going against Baz, who has allowed at least four earned runs in four straight outings. I think the Guardians will finally score some runs against Baz and I like them to win.