Free MLB Picks Today: Cleveland Guardians vs Seattle Mariners 8/27/22

The Cleveland Guardians (66-58) are on the road to face the Seattle Mariners (69-57) at T-Mobile Park on Saturday. The Mariners lead the series 2-0 after winning 3-2 in 11 innings on Friday. Reliever Penn Murfee was credited with the win after throwing one scoreless inning. Mitch Haniger went 2 for 5 with a double and one RBI in the win. Austin Hedges was 2 for 3 with a double and one run for the Guardians.

ON THE MOUND

Zach Plesac (2-11, 4.43 ERA) is slated to start for Cleveland. The righty allowed four runs over 5.1 innings in his last start, a 4-3 road defeat against the Tigers on August 16. He was charged with the loss, scattering nine hits while striking out three and walking three. Plesac is making his first appearance against the Mariners this season. Plesac made one start against the Mariners in 2021, a 4-2 road victory on May 13. He surrendered two runs on two hits over eight innings, striking out two and walking three. Right-hander Luis Castillo (5-5, 2.93 ERA) will toe the rubber for Seattle. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Guardians. Castillo made two appearances against the Guardians in 2021, both starts, striking out four and walking five over 7.1 innings (0-2, 14.73).In his last start on Sunday, Castillo took the loss on the road against the Athletics. He threw five innings and gave up four runs on eight hits, striking out five and walking one in the 5-3 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Cleveland has averaged only 2.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.3, while performing worse across the board (.216/.260/.339). Against right-handed pitchers like Castillo this season, the Guardians have a .718 OPS. Steven Kwan is the team’s biggest on-base threat against right-handers with a .382 OBP in 340 at-bats. Seattle is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.1 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.208/.287/.344). The M’s have a .691 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .800 OPS over 317 at-bats, Julio Rodriguez has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Cleveland is 34-33 on the road in 2022, scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 4.0 runs. Seattle has gone 34-27 at home this season, averaging 3.8 runs per game while surrendering 3.6. Seattle is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at T-Mobile Park with an average scoreline of 3.6-3.0.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Guardians lead the AL Central by three games over the Twins. The Mariners are second in the AL West, 11 games behind the Astros.