The Athletics vs Cleveland Guardians Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 07/18/25

The all-star break gave bullpens around the league a shot at extended rest, and I think we could see a large number of games fall short of the posted total in the next couple of days. In Friday’s matchup between the Athletics and the Guardians, I favor the under on the total of 8.5 for a few reasons. Cleveland has been worse offensively this season when facing left-handed pitching and the Athletics are starting JP Sears in this spot. Sears has had an up-and-down season, but the southpaw hurler has performed better when on the road. His 4.14 road ERA in 54.1 innings is better than his 5.61 ERA in 43.1 innings, and he entered the break in solid form with just 3 earned runs allowed in his 3 final starts combined.

The Guardians are starting Slade Cecconi to open the second half of their schedule, and the 26-year-old pitched well before the break. His first 2 starts this month have resulted in 13.0 innings with 4 earned runs allowed and 14 strikeouts recorded against the Tigers and Astros. Now facing a step down in competition, I expect the right-hander to perform well in his home park. Cleveland’s bullpen is top 10 in both ERA and FIP this season, and with extended rest I expect a low-scoring output for the Athletics on Friday.

Athletics vs Guardians prediction: Under 8.5 (-112) available at time of publishing. Playable to -115.

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