A matinee matchup is on tap this afternoon in the ALCS. If the first two contests in this series are any indication, Game 3 has the potential to be a classic. The action will shift to Progressive Field, where the Guardians will attempt to defend their home turf. As for the Rays, their season depends on stealing at least one of the next three games on the road. In this battle for the American League, which players will step up for their respective squads?
The Guardians are favorites (-134) over the Rays on DraftKings Sportsbook. Let’s break down two player props worth consideration ahead of Thursday’s Game 3 matchup.
Rays vs. Guardians Best Prop Bets Today for Thursday 10/15/26
Yandy Diaz 2+ Hits + Walks + Stolen Bases (+125)
Tampa Bay’s offense hasn’t been the most impressive this postseason. If we’re being completely honest, the team has benefitted from sloppy fielding throughout October. Look no further than Game 2 of this series, in which a Jose Ramirez error led to three unearned runs crossing the plate. That’s not exactly a knock on the Rays; this group is finding ways to win despite inconsistent hitting. Part of the issue for the AL East champs is that their lineup is top-heavy; much of the team’s production depends on its trio of All-Stars.
Among the more high-profile batters on this roster, Yandy Diaz deserves mention. The AL hit king has been terrific all season, slashing .293/.359/.446 with 22 home runs and 85 RBIs. Sitting atop this lineup, manager Kevin Cash gives the 35-year-old ample opportunity to get on base. To boot, he’s been much better against right-handers (.304 BA) than southpaws (.264 BA). Cleveland’s hurler, Gavin Williams, is one of the Junior Circuit’s top arms. With that being said, the veteran has done quite well in this spot. Over 15 career at-bats against Williams, he’s notched seven hits (.467 BA). Keeping that in mind, there’s reason to believe Diaz can get on a couple of times.
Gavin Williams under 6.5 strikeouts (-136)
Speaking of Williams, he’s coming into Thursday’s matchup with plenty of momentum. After coming on in relief just two days prior, the third-year pro tossed 5.2 scoreless, one-hit innings during a series-clinching Game 5 win. In addition, the big righty punched out 12 White Sox batters in the process. It’s the continuation of a remarkable season for the youngster. Through 184.1 innings of work (32 starts), he recorded a 3.76 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and AL-best 248 strikeouts (12.1 K/9). It’s worth noting that Williams has been much better at home (2.84 ERA) than on the road (5.05 ERA).
That knack for punching out batters makes Cleveland’s ace a difficult pitcher to bet against. He’s delivered a sparkling 1.80 ERA over five career meetings with the Rays. That includes a 7.2-inning, nine-strikeout showing in April. Still, racking up whiffs could prove difficult this afternoon. Tampa Bay is striking out 7.05 times per game, the lowest mark in all of baseball. Williams has failed to reach this total in three of his last four games against the Rays. Following an off day, the Guardians might pivot to their terrific bullpen at the first sign of trouble. Against a disciplined lineup, it’s hard to envision this over cashing in during Game 3.
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