MLB Sunday Night Baseball Preview: Guardians vs. Mets odds, predictions and best bets
On Sunday, May 21st, the New York Mets host the Cleveland Guardians for a little Sunday Night Baseball. In addition to giving out best bets and player props this year, we’ll also regularly be diving into MLB’s Sunday night game of the week. We know there will be a lot of eyeballs on these matchups, and we want to make sure you know what you’re getting into in these games. So, keep reading to see how we’re playing this one!
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MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on May 21
Guardians vs. Mets betting odds
Mets -145 / Total: 7.5
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Guardians vs. Mets Moneyline Analysis
The Mets have Justin Verlander starting tonight, so they’re naturally favored over the Guardians. However, it’s a little hard not to like Cleveland as something of a value play this evening. After all, Shane Bieber is starting this game for the Guardians. Bieber’s days of contending for the Cy Young Award might be over, but he is still a very good pitcher. In fact, Bieber is 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA this season, and he has given up three or fewer runs in eight of his nine starts. With that said, Cleveland is never out of a game with Bieber on the hill, and the righty is also capable of going out and holding his own in any pitcher’s duel.
Verlander also happens to be coming into this game after a miserable start. The 40-year-old ace gave up six earned runs on eight hits in just 5.0 innings of work against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. He has now given up at least five hits in two of his three outings, and it feels like it might take a little more time before we see his best stuff. And that really isn’t all that surprising considering he started the year on the IL. But with Verlander not truly locked in, why not take a shot on Cleveland?
It’s also worth noting that Jose Ramirez is 11 for 34 with three doubles, two homers and five RBIs against Verlander in his career. So, if you’re wondering whether Cleveland has a player that can get to Verlander in this one, there’s your answer.
Guardians vs. Mets Total Analysis
This game has two big names on the mound, so it’s understandable if anybody wants to take the under. However, this is a very low number at 7.5, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if this goes over. The Guardians scored nine runs in the first game in this series, and Cleveland has been showing signs of life offensively after a miserable start to the year. Also, Verlander still hasn’t been able to get himself completely comfortable since returning from injury. So, Cleveland has the potential to score some runs here, and New York’s weak bullpen doesn’t hurt either.
The Mets are also very likely to do some damage on Bieber, even if it’s nothing major. They have scored at least five runs in three of their last four games, and the over is actually 5-1 in the team’s last six (not including the first game of this doubleheader).
Overall, it’s just easier to see this being a somewhat high-scoring game — especially if the bullpens are used a decent amount in the first game.
Guardians vs. Mets Best Bet
Since this is the second game of a doubleheader, you don’t have the option to back player props just yet. However, I’d be on the lookout for Ramirez’s total bases prop here. With Verlander on the mound, you’d likely get a good price on backing the over. And this matchup clearly hasn’t intimidated the slugger in the past.
If you don’t want to wait on the prop, then just back the Guardians. This feels like a game in which Bieber can genuinely outperform Verlander, especially with the Guardians ace coming off a forgettable performance. Bieber should bounce back a bit here, and you’re better off with plus-money odds.
Pick: Guardians ML (+125)
