Texas Rangers vs. Cleveland Guardians Prediction: Will Guardians Dominate Martin Perez, Rangers?
The Cleveland Guardians are in Texas, taking on the Rangers. Will Guardians dominate Martin Perez and the Rangers today? Handicapper Krabs answers.
Krabs - July 16, 2023, 11:39 AM EDT
5 minTexas Rangers vs. Cleveland Guardians Prediction: Will Guardians Dominate Martin Perez, Rangers?
It’s safe to say the AL Central is the worst division in baseball. The first-place Minnesota Twins are only one game over .500. This division is wide open; even the Detroit Tigers are only five games out of first place. In between these teams is the Cleveland Guardians, less than two games behind the Twins. There is still a lot of baseball left before the playoff’s participants are set, but it’s now or never for the Guardians. They need to take advantage of their weak division and capitalize on their opportunity to make up for their disappointing first half.
Rangers vs. Guardians Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: July 16, 2023
- Time: 2:35 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Texas Rangers vs. Cleveland Guardians Prediction
It hasn’t been an easy start to the second half of the season for the Guardians, who have already lost the first two games of this series in Texas. Cleveland was held scoreless last night in a brutal 2-0 loss. They’ll have an opportunity with one of the most underrated young arms in baseball to salvage this series on Sunday.
Tanner Bibee has exceeded all expectations since getting the call to the big leagues in April. The 24-year-old is 5-2 with a 3.34 ERA through thirteen starts. The Guardians are still looking to get over .500, but when Bibee pitches, they find a way to win. Cleveland has won in each of his last four starts.
After being named an All-Star in 2022 with a 2.89 ERA, Martin Perez doesn’t look like the same pitcher in 2023. The veteran lefty has gotten roughed up for the majority of the season. Perez couldn’t make it through the second inning in his last start, getting pulled after allowing six runs and three long balls. Although the Guardians don’t live and die by the long ball, they seem to have success and take advantage of their opportunities against home run-prone pitchers.
Although their record doesn’t reflect it, the Guardians have been playing good baseball for about a month. Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor are carrying this offense, and their pitching staff is starting to settle in. Cleveland knows how important it is to get off to a strong start in the second half of the season, with first place in the AL Central within reach. Back Bibee, who’s looked great in his rookie season, against a struggling veteran. Cleveland will be hungrier to steal this one and salvage the series before heading to Pittsburgh.
Texas Rangers vs. Cleveland Guardians Pick
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