The Philadelphia Phillies are sitting just inside the wild card standings at 52-44, meaning every game from here on out is going to be pivotal for them if they want a chance at returning to the World Series.
The Cleveland Guardians are also going to be battling for their postseason lives, currently sitting two games back from the AL Central lead.
The two teams will begin a three-game interleague set on Friday. Let's jump into the odds and my best bet for the series opener.
Phillies vs. Guardians odds, run line, and total
Phillies vs. Guardians prediction and pick
Ranger Suarez (3.84 ERA) will get the start for the Phillies, which is going to give them the leg up in this series opener.
It's not just his solid ERA that will give Philadelphia an advantage, but it's more that he's a lefty. The Guardians have struggled against lefties this season. For example, their OPS drops from .705 against righties to .682 against lefties.
Over the last 30 days specifically, the Guardians are 23rd in the Majors in OPS against lefties, sporting a mark of .667.
The Phillies will face Gavin Williams of Cleveland, who has struggled in the month of July. In three starts this month, he sports an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP a 1.529.
I have confidence the Phillies will be able to get to Williams early and often today. I'll back them to get the job done on the road on Friday night.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change