The visiting Cleveland Guardians and New York Mets are starting a three-game series on Friday. Neither team has recently been a reliable MLB picks with each struggling, especially in the batter’s box.
The offensive struggles could lead to a low-scoring series when thinking about scores and odds. The one note would be that the Mets are starting to find their offense a little, and if that does continue to happen, it could be a game-changer.
Guardians Struggle in Last Series
In the Guardians‘ last series, they faced the Chicago White Sox, a team five games back from Cleveland, which is second in the American League Central standings. The Mets are a nice break from playing the White Sox, with the Guardians hosting Chicago in the next series.
The Guardians lost the first two games against the White Sox, 7-2 and 8-3. The offense has continued to hurt the team’s MLB odds, putting up the second-fewest number of runs over the last 15 games. Cleveland avoided the sweep, winning the final game 3-1, with the pitching doing enough to bail out the offense.
Mets Keeping Games Close
If any team needed a spark, it sure is the New York Mets, and they may have found it. Facing the Tampa Bay Rays in the last series, arguably the best team in baseball, New York held its own. In the first game, the Mets put up five runs in a loss, after having done so only four times in the last 13 games.
The Polar Bear wins it! 🐻❄️
Pete Alonso mashes a walk-off homer for the Mets win.
New York overcame a three-run deficit in the ninth inning and a two-run deficit in the tenth.
🎥 @Mets pic.twitter.com/Vg3RQ3BcYe
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 18, 2023
Then, to headline MLB news, Pete Alonso blasted a three-run homer to win Game 2 in extra innings. He would hit another home run, this time a solo shot, in Game 3 as New York won the rubber match.
Starting Pitchers
Cal Quantrill (2-2, 3.97 ERA) vs Carlos Carrasco (0-2, 8.56)
Cal Quantrill will take the mound for the Guardians, slowly getting back into pitching like his usual self. He had a rough start to the season, with a 5.40 ERA through April. However, in Quantrill’s three starts in May, his ERA is 2.21. His strikeout number could need a boost, with only eight in 20.1 innings through May.
For the Mets, Carlos Carrasco will make his return from the 15-day injury list, having not started a game since April 15. Carrasco struggled in the three games he did start before his IL stint, allowing 13 runs and three home runs through 13.2 innings. Part of it could be due to the injury, so the hope is that he can look better in his return.
Guardians vs Mets Head-to-Head
Pitching matchups will significantly impact the MLB lines, and the Guardians have the advantage. Quantrill is starting to get into form, while Carrasco is making his first start off the IL. But the Mets’ offense seems to be finding their way again, and the Guardians are far from that.
Guardians vs Mets Game Information
- Game: Guardians (20-23) vs Mets (22-23)
- Location: Citi Field, Queens, NY
- Day/Time: Friday, May 19, 7:10 p.m. EST
- Guardians vs Mets Live stream: MLB.tv
Guardians vs Mets Betting Lines
Over/Under Pick
In the last 10 games, the Guardians have hit the under consistently. Clevland’s record is 3-5-2 in over/under bets, which is a crucial indicator of where this offense is. While the Mets’ offense is picking up, it makes more sense for MLB betting to side with the under, especially with the Guardians having a solid pitcher starting.
Pick: Under 9 (-115)
Moneyline Pick
This may be the perfect matchup for Carrasco to return. Before he went on the IL, he was struggling, giving up runs, but against the Guardians that is less of a concern. Carrasco should be able to hold Cleveland’s lineup in check enough for the Mets to get a win at home to open the series.
Pick: Mets -145
Spread Pick
Despite the Guardians struggling, they have been reliable against the spread. They have a 10-11 record against the spread on the road and have kept games close for the most part. They should be able to do that again but still fail to win the game.
Pick: Guardians +1½ (-160)
