Tampa Bay Rays vs
Cleveland GuardiansPredictions & Preview

Taj Bradley to Face Ben Lively in Crucial Matchup as Tampa Bay Rays Take on Cleveland Guardians in Series Finale at Progressive Field

The Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians will face off in the conclusion of their four-game series at Progressive Field on Sunday afternoon. Taj Bradley will take the mound for the Rays, while Ben Lively will pitch for the Guardians. The game is set to begin at 1:40 PM ET, with Cleveland opening as the home favorite with a -132 betting line that has remained steady. Bradley holds a 4.4 ERA, while Lively has a 4.01 ERA for the season.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Rays +120 | Guardians -132
• Spread: Rays +1.5 (-189) | Guardians -1.5 (+156)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Cleveland will win straight-up is 57%.

Tampa Bay vs Cleveland Stats

Tampa Bay Rays

In the upcoming finale of the four-game series, Taj Bradley will be starting for the team. Despite allowing four runs (three earned) in his last outing against the Phillies, Bradley showed a solid whiff rate and CSW according to yahoo.com. While struggling with inconsistent command lately, he has been mixing up his pitches and leaning on his cutter more. Bradley has not recorded a victory in his last eight starts but has shown improvement recently with 16 strikeouts in his last two appearances. With a record of 6-10 and a 4.40 ERA this season, Bradley is set to face the Guardians next. The Tampa Bay team currently has a power ranking of 19, ranking 28th in offense and 12th in defense, with a record of 73-75 this season.

Cleveland Guardians Analysis

Ben Lively is set to pitch in the finale of the four-game set against the Rays after recovering from being hit by a comebacker in his last start. Despite struggling in his previous five outings, the Guardians maintain a four-game lead over the Royals in the AL Central. Cleveland's pitching has been strong, with Lively needing to improve his performance to help secure their position. The team has a power ranking of 16, ranking 14th in offense and 4th in defense. Their record is 84-64, with Tampa Bay having lost their last three matchups against Cleveland.

Taj Bradley Struggles Continue as Guardians Gear Up for Crucial Matchup

Taj Bradley showed promise earlier in the season but has faced a recent slump, having given up three or more earned runs in his last eight starts. With no victories in that stretch, his ERA has risen to 8.27. Bradley's season record stands at 6-10 with a 4.40 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 137:41 K: BB ratio over 122.2 innings. Despite his challenges, the Guardians are determined to maintain their position against competition from the Royals and Twins in the American League Central. Cleveland has shown strength in recent games against American League opponents, winning six out of their last nine matches. Based on this, the Guardians are favored to win this upcoming game.

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