Tigers vs. Guardians Betting (July 14): Expect Cleveland to End Funk vs. Detroit

The 2022 MLB season continues on Thursday, July 14 as this year’s All-Star Game is only mere days away. One game of note on today’s schedule is an all AL Central clash between the Detroit Tigers (37-52) face the Cleveland Guardians (43-44) in the first matchup of a four-game series.

The Tigers have been hot and cold so far this season, however, they’re leaning towards the latter as of late. They’ve lost five of their last six games after winning six in a row, so they hope to get back into the win column with a victory over a Cleveland team that they’ve had success against this year.

It hasn’t been easy being a Guardians fan lately either. Their hot start to the season is all but a distant memory after a 4-10 stretch over the Guardians’ last 14 games has set them back to the point where they now trail the Minnesota Twins by 4.5 games for the AL Central lead.

Elvin Rodriguez will be the Tigers’ starting pitcher for the day while the Guardians are countering him with Triston McKenzie.

Here’s a look at BetOnline Sportsbook’s odds, along with the best bets to make, ahead of today’s Tigers vs. Guardians matchup.

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Detroit Tigers (37-52, 14-28 road, 2nd in the AL Central) vs. Cleveland Guardians (43-44, 22-19, 4th in the AL Central)
• Venue & Location: Progressive Field (Cleveland, Ohio)
• Date: Thursday, July 14, 2022
• Time: 7:10 p.m. Eastern Time
• How to Watch Today’s Tigers vs. Guardians Game: MLB.TV, MLB Extra Innings, Bally Sports Detroit

Tigers vs. Guardians Pitching Matchup

• Detroit Tigers: Elvin Rodriguez (2022: 5 games [4 starts], 0-2, 11.51 ERA)
• Cleveland Guardians: Triston McKenzie (2022: 16 games [15 starts], 6-6, 3.47 ERA)

Tigers vs. Guardians Odds

Odds are via BetOnline. Odds from our other top reviewed and recommended online sportsbooks may also be included in this article.

Moneyline

• Detroit Tigers +205
• Cleveland Guardians -245

Over/Under

• OVER 8.5 (-104)
• UNDER 8.5 (-118)

Run Line

• Detroit Tigers +1.5 (-105)
• Cleveland Guardians -1.5 (-114)

Guardians Seek Revenge Against Tigers

Being AL Central rivals, this is far from the first Tigers vs. Guardians matchup of the 2022 MLB season. The two foes have faced each other nine times so far this season, however, things haven’t exactly gone Cleveland’s way.

Despite having the better record of the two, the Guardians’ kryptonite this year has been the Tigers. Cleveland is an abysmal 2-7 in those matchups, being outscored 40-30. In fact, the Guardians surrendered at least four runs in six of those games.

It also hasn’t been that long since they've faced each other. The Tigers and Guardians engaged in a four-game series just last week, ending with a sweep by the Tigers where they won each game by an average score of 7 to 2.5.

Fortunately, the Guardians have a chance to end their losing ways with a matchup against Rodriguez. The rookie SP hasn’t found his footing yet in the majors, hence his unfortunate 11.51 ERA.

While he started off the season decently, Rodriguez has surrendered 18 earned runs on 19 hits in 8.2 innings over his last two starts. Yes, you read those numbers right. Teams have just been beating up on the 24-year-old, making this an opportunity that the Guardians can’t pass up.

Cleveland could use some help from some of its best players. Jose Ramirez is only batting .224 over his last 13 games, recording just one home run and five RBIs. Meanwhile, Franmil Reyes has struck out 21 times in his last 14 games, raising his season strikeout percentage to 40.2% — almost 18% above league average and the worst mark of his career.

If the Guardians can’t snap their funk against Rodriguez, perhaps they don’t deserve to be near the top of the AL Central.

Betting Trends for Tigers vs. Guardians

• Detroit is 1-5 straight up in its last six games.
• Cleveland is 14-6 straight up in its last 20 home games against Detroit.
• The total has hit the under in 12 of Detroit’s last 18 games played in July.
• The total has hit the under in five of Cleveland’s last six home games.

Tigers vs. Guardians Prediction and Best Bets

Tigers vs. Guardians Prediction: Guardians to win

Tigers vs. Guardians Best Bets: Guardians -1.5 (-114 at BetOnline) & Over 8.5 (-104 at BetOnline)

With how bad Rodriguez has been on the mound, it’s hard not to go with the Guardians as the pick to win the game. Yes, they’ve struggled lately, but this is one of the best opportunities for a rebound game.

For the best bet, I’m taking the Guardians to cover the spread since the Tigers have been outscored 23-1 in Rodriguez’s last two starts. Keeping that in mind, it’s also a good reason to take the over on the total.