Wednesday, May 22's MLB schedule begins at 1:10 p.m. ET with the series finale between the New York Mets (21-27) and Cleveland Guardians (32-17) at Progressive Field.
Despite a late comeback attempt, the Guardians held on for a 7-6 win over the Mets on Tuesday. Jose Ramirez was Cleveland's best player as the veteran third baseman as he racked up a double and his 11th home run of the season with three RBIs.
Can New York put its losing ways in the rearview? Or will Cleveland sweep the visitors once and for all?
Without further adieu, let's jump into my Mets vs. Guardians preview as we look at my predictions and the best MLB bets for this afternoon.
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Mets vs Guardians MLB Betting Trends
- The Mets are 0-5 straight up in their last five games vs. the American League.
- Cleveland is 8-1 straight up in its last nine games.
- The total hit the Over in seven of the Mets' last eight road games.
- The total hit the Under in seven of Cleveland's last 10 games.
- The total hit the Over in 10 of the last 13 Mets-Guardians matchups at Progressive Field.
Mets vs Guardians Predictions & MLB Picks Today (5/22)
Tuesday's matchup was filled with fireworks as a combined 13 runs were scored on 18 hits. Having said that, despite runs being traded throughout the contest, the Guardians never trailed for a single inning and now have the opportunity to sweep the Mets this afternoon.
If New York wants to turn things around, it needs a full nine-inning effort. Yesterday's loss marked the Mets' ninth loss in their last 12 games and the fourth in their last five outings. Limiting the opposing team's offensive output has been the main issue, proven by their allowing an average of 6.2 runs during the latest five-day stretch.
If that isn't bad enough, the Mets have been outscored 46-34 in their last seven road games, further highlighting their inability to keep the opposition off the scoreboard.
Meanwhile, the Guardians are currently rocking a six-game winning streak at home. New York achieved this success thanks to some solid pitching, proven by it holding those foes to 3.2 runs per game.
While the Mets have struggled on the road, the Guardians have been red-hot at home.
Speaking of road struggles, the Mets are hoping that Jose Quintana can curb his issues away from home. While the former All-Star hurler has pitched to a 3.18 ERA and 1.191 WHIP in four starts at Citi Field this season, those numbers climb to 7.13 and 1.708, respectively, on the road.
Unfortunately for Quintana, the Guardians tend to play well against left-handed pitchers. Not only are they 7-2 SU against lefty starters this season, but they also rank ninth in HRs, eighth in batting average, 10th in on-base percentage, and third in slugging percentage against southpaws.
Having said that, Cleveland is countering Quintana with Triston McKenzie. After an up-and-down start to 2024, the 26-year-old has been one of the AL's best arms, playing to a 2.10 ERA with 35 strikeouts across 34 1/3 innings in his last six starts.
Additionally, McKenzie has allowed one or fewer runs in four of six home appearances this season.
Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie has been lights out at Progressive Field in 2024.
After back-to-back wins in the last two days, I'm going with another Guardians win this afternoon. Cleveland hasn't trailed at any point in this series, illustrating just how badly it has New York's number. As long as McKenzie continues to play at a high level at home, the Guardians can defeat anyone.
I don't see why there's any reason to deviate from yesterday's logic, so let's stick with a Guardians moneyline bet and move on to the prop pick.
Mets vs Guardians MLB Prediction: CLE wins
Best Mets vs Guardians Bet: CLE ML (-122)
Best Mets vs Guardians MLB Player Prop (5/22)
With how he's been performing on the mound, I'm going with the Over on Triston McKenzie's 4.5-strikeout total (-115) for today's best Mets vs. Guardians prop bet.
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McKenzie has steadily been putting up decent strikeout numbers, averaging 5.8 Ks in his last six appearances. That's without mentioning how he finished with the Over on this prop in each one of those appearances, proving just how consistent he's been.
With the Mets averaging 9.2 strikeouts in their last six road games, the makings are right for McKenzie to pull through on this prop again.
Best Mets vs. Guardians MLB Prop Bet: Triston McKenzie o4.5 Total Strikeouts (-115)
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