Cleveland Guardians vs Boston Red Sox Prediction 4-23-24 Picks

The Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Guardians meet Tuesday in MLB action from Progressive Field. Here’s a Boston Red Sox vs Cleveland Guardians prediction. This will be the first installment in a three-game series. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for the game.

Boston Red Sox Betting Preview

The Red Sox took on the Pittsburgh Pirates in their weekend series. Boston was able to power out a three-game sweep in that set, winning 8-1, 4-2 and 6-1 along the way. In the Sox’ Sunday win, Wilyer Abreu managed three hits, two RBI and a run. Reese McGuire added two RBI on a 1-for-3 effort as well.

For the Tuesday starting pitcher role, the Red Sox will send out Tanner Houck. This year Houck is 3-1 with a 1.35 ERA and 28 Ks in 26.2 innings over four starts. In his career Houck is 18-20 with a 3.62 ERA in 78 games (45 starts).

Cleveland Guardians Betting Preview

Over on the Guardians’ side, they also managed a sweep in their weekend series versus the Oakland Athletics. Cleveland beat the A’s 10-2, 6-3 and 6-2 in those games. In the finale, the Guardians’ Josh Naylor posted three RBI while Will Brennan managed a solo homer with two runs.

Ben Lively will take the mound for the Guardians on Tuesday. In his first start of the year Lively took a loss with 5.0 innings, two earned, three hits and a walk. Over his career Lively is 8-18 with a 5.01 ERA in 46 games (33 starts).

Red Sox vs Guardians Key Injuries

The Sox have a few injury issues to deal with right now, but things seem to be looking up. Boston’s Tyler O’Neill (concussion) is expected to be activated from the 7-day injured list ahead of Tuesday’s matchup. Rafael Devers should be back as well; he’s been day-to-day with a knee issue. Pitcher-wise, Garrett Whitlock played catch over the weekend and Nick Pivetta threw a bullpen session Saturday. 

As for the Guardians, there’s not much fresh news to report on as far as injuries go. Sam Hentges (finger)began a rehab assignment with Double-A Akron back on Friday though, so he’s on track.

Cleveland Guardians Team Facts

• The Guardians have won seven of their last eight games.
• The Guardians have covered the run line in each of their last seven games as underdogs against the Red Sox following a home win.
• The Guardians have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last six home games against American League opponents that held a winning record.
• The Guardians have trailed after 7 innings in each of their last four night games against AL East opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Guardians’ last five night games at Progressive Field.

Boston Red Sox Team Facts

• The Red Sox have lost four of their last five games as favorites against AL Central opponents.
• The Red Sox have covered the run line each of their last eight road games against teams that held a winning record.
• The Red Sox have led after 5 innings in each of their last eight road games against opponents that held a winning record.
• The Red Sox have led after 3 innings in each of their last six road games against opponents that held a winning record.
• The Red Sox have led after 7 innings in each of their last four road games against opponents that held a winning record.

Boston Red Sox vs Cleveland Guardians Prediction

I’ll probably stay with the Red Sox. This should be a pretty fun series with both teams coming off weekend sweeps, though. Houck had a bit of an issue with the Angels back on April 12 (5.2 innings; four earned on 12 hits in a loss) but he’s been great lately otherwise. In his last start Houck went the distance with 9.0 clean frames, three hits and no walks against Cleveland on April 17. He should get a nice lift from the Red Sox offense; they’ve scored four or more runs in four straight games.

In their four-game series at Fenway Park last week, Cleveland took three victories 6-0, 10-7 and 5-4 (Boston won the other game 2-0). I like the Red Sox to be a little more competitive this time while starting out the road series with a victory.