MLB Platinum & Inner Circle Double Play - FRI
- Handicapper
- Jim Feist
- League
- MLB
- Competition
- Arizona Diamondbacks vs Cleveland Guardians
- Release Date
- 07/31/2026 11:05 AM
- Event Date
- 07/31/2026 07:10 PM
- Bet Type
- Moneyline
- Pick
-
Cleveland Guardians -141
(DraftKings)
- Outcome
- Loss
- Analysis
- The Guardians have three primary advantages against Arizona on Friday: starting pitching, bullpen and home-field advantage.
First, Cleveland tabs Tanner Bibee (3.89 ERA, 97 SO) to the mound. Bibee’s record stands at a subpar 4-10, but that statistic owes more to Cleveland’s mercurial run support than it does Bibee’s pitching. The Guardians ace has posted some quality starts this season and projects to give Cleveland six solid innings on Friday. Arizona, on the other hand, will start Mitch Bratt (0-1, 6.32 ERA). Bratt is a rookie left-hander who lacks major-league experience.
Experience will be key against Cleveland, which received a much-needed boost from its lineup Wednesday. Kyle Manzardo homered and drove in two runs while Travis Bazzana recorded two hits, one run and one RBI as the Guardians defeated the Cincinnati Reds 6-1. Cleveland will not need another monster performance from its bats Friday, either. A few early runs on Bratt should do the trick if Bibee and Cleveland’s bullpen hold serve.
Lastly, Cleveland’s pitching staff holds the overall edge over Arizona. Entering Friday, Cleveland posted a 3.73 team ERA to Arizona’s 4.21, and also held opponents to a lower batting average. That trend should continue into the middle innings and beyond, as Cleveland can burn opponents with its deep bullpen.
Arizona’s offense is still dangerous. But Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte have not produced up to their standards as of late. Cleveland has every opportunity to exploit those weaknesses, especially with Bibee on the mound. Progressive Field also bodes well for Cleveland, as the Guardians can limit Arizona’s offense if they establish an early lead. Facing an inexperienced starter and holding the better bullpen, Cleveland is the safer bet on Friday.
Jim's Play: 974. Guardians (Platinum Play)
