It was announced before the game on Saturday that Guardians ace Shane Bieber had been placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation.
Monday will be a bullpen game for the Guardians against the Pirates.
The Guardians will look to turn it around on Sunday with Tanner Bibee. The Guardians have four straight when Bibee is the starter, and Bibee has won 3 out of 4 in that same stretch.
So far in 18 innings, the Guardians have only scored in one of those innings, the top of the 3rd on Friday when the Naylor brothers hit two home runs. It has not been from a lack of hits, as Cleveland has 16 in the two games and out-hit Texas on Saturday.
The Guardians have faced numerous challenges this year, but despite that, they remain within striking distance in the division, just a few games behind. They are optimistic that a single impressive winning streak could completely transform their season. In the upcoming game, the team has entrusted Tanner Bibee to take the mound. Bibee has been exceptional this season, allowing a mere 28 runs in 70 innings pitched, while also recording an impressive 71 strikeouts. His opponents have found it difficult to generate solid contact off his pitches, evident from his .357 expected opponent slugging percentage, a low 6.6 barrel percentage, and a promising 3.52 expected ERA. This has resulted in opponents struggling to drive in runs against Bibee.
While Bibee has been a standout performer on the mound, the team’s lineup has encountered difficulties in producing runs, averaging just 4.05 runs per game. Jose Ramirez has been a bright spot, boasting a solid slash line of .287/.362/.501, accompanied by 14 home runs and 171 total bases. Similarly, Josh Naylor has been a consistent contributor, slashing .306/.349/.492, hitting 12 home runs, and tallying 146 total bases. However, the remainder of the lineup has struggled to find their rhythm. Only two batters in the lineup have an OPS+ over 100, leaving opposing pitchers with the ability to neutralize ineffective hitters easily.
The Rangers are enjoying a remarkable season and are determined to extend their lead in the division as the trade deadline approaches. Martin Perez, who has had a challenging year on the mound with 53 runs allowed in 92.2 innings pitched, will be starting the upcoming game. Unfortunately, his performance has been hindered by a .291 expected opponent Batting Average, a 14.9% Strikeout Percentage, and a 5.38 expected ERA, indicating that opposing teams have been capitalizing on his pitching and easily scoring runs.
Despite Perez’s struggles, the Rangers’ lineup has been the most potent in baseball, averaging an impressive 5.90 runs per game. In their last two games alone, they have scored a total of 14 runs. Corey Seager has been outstanding at the plate, boasting a slash line of .355/.416/.628 along with 13 home runs and 152 total bases. Adolis Garcia has also contributed power to the lineup, slashing .266/.334/.527 with 24 home runs and 186 total bases. However, it’s not just these two players; the entire batting order has been exceptional.
Ezequiel Duran has been hitting at an impressive clip, with a slash line of .303/.338/.518, 12 home runs, and 130 total bases. Josh Jung and Jonah Heim have combined for 32 home runs and 321 total bases, further bolstering the team’s offensive firepower. With such a formidable lineup, the Rangers have become a formidable force that is difficult for opposing teams to contain.
The Guardians are relying on one of their top starting pitchers in hopes of winning the upcoming game and defying the odds as road underdogs. However, they face a formidable challenge against the Rangers, who have been excelling this season and are poised to conclude the series with an impressive performance. With an average of 5.90 runs per game, the Rangers’ lineup, led by Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, and other strong hitters, is expected to effortlessly bring in runs, consistently making solid contact and powering the ball to drive baserunners across home plate. On the other hand, the Rangers should be able to contain the Guardians’ lineup, which only manages an average of 4.05 runs per game. Martin Perez is anticipated to deliver a stellar pitching performance, lasting multiple innings and allowing the bullpen to secure the victory. Consequently, the Rangers are predicted to triumph in the game and complete a series sweep with an impressive showing on their home turf.
Consider placing a bet on the Rangers’ money line as the favored home team.
Our Pick: Take Rangers and the ML
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