The Yankees and Guardians play the third game of their three-game series on Wednesday, June 10.
Cleveland is a -120 moneyline favorite, while New York is +100 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under eight runs.
Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Yankees vs. Guardians game.
Yankees vs. Guardians prediction, preview
Two of the best teams in the American League will meet for the final time in the 2026 regular season. It’s projected to be exciting as a potential postseason matchup, although that’s months away from fruition.
Carlos Rodon is making his sixth start of the season for New York after beginning the year on the injured list. His return was rocky, allowing three earned runs, two hits and five walks in 4.1 innings against the Brewers. It wasn’t much better against the Mets later that week, but his last three outings have been solid. He’s allowed one earned run in three straight games, pitching six innings twice and five innings once. The walks are still an issue, however, with the left-hander racking up eight across these three games.
That’s the biggest worry against Cleveland, who ranks fourth in total walks this season. The Guardians aren’t the most dangerous hitting team, racking up the 23rd most hits this year, but they’re lethal on the base paths. Cleveland and New York are tied for fourth in total steals. That could create an advantage if Rodon walks a few batters again.
Parker Messick will start for Cleveland in his second season in the majors. His rookie year was only seven starts, but he impressed with a 2.72 ERA across 39.2 innings. Now as a 25-year-old, he holds a 2.40 ERA through 13 starts and 75 innings.
The Yankees are an excellent offense, ranking sixth in total runs, but they’re without Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. The lineup loses some of its potency without these two giants, but there are still quality bats remaining.
Yankees vs. Guardians Pick, Best Bet
Even shorthanded, I think the Yankees have the better offense. Ben Rice is playing like an MVP candidate, and the rest of the lineup is supporting him with timely hits. Rodon will need to limit walks, but he’s been promising otherwise, holding opponents to one earned run in three straight games.
