2022 MLB playoffs: Rays vs. Guardians odds, line, Wild Card Series Game 1 picks, predictions from proven model

SportsLine's model simulated Game 1 of the Wild Card Series between the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays 10,000 times

By CBS Sports Staff

Oct 7, 2022 at 10:06 am ET • 3 min read

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Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series between the Cleveland Guardians (92-70) and the Tampa Bay Rays (86-76) takes place on Friday afternoon. These teams are ready to roll into this 2022 MLB playoffs contest. Cleveland ended the season on a two-game win streak, while Tampa Bay ended its on a five-game skid. Shane Bieber (13-8, 2.88) is on the mound for the Guardians, with Shane McClanahan (12-8, 2.54) getting the nod for the Rays.

The first pitch is set for 12:07 p.m. ET. Cleveland is listed at -120 on the money line (risk $120 to win $100) in the latest Rays vs. Guardians odds from Caesars Sportsbook. The over/under for total runs scored is 5.5. Before making any Guardians vs. Rays picks, be sure to see the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, and it entered the final week of the regular season on an 18-8 run on top-rated money-line MLB picks, returning almost $700 for $100 players. This is the same model that pegged the 2021 Atlanta Braves at 10-1 as one of three best bets to win it all last season. Anybody who has followed it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Rays vs. Guardians and revealed its coveted picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine to see all of the model's MLB picks. Here are several MLB odds and trends for Guardians vs. Rays:

Rays vs. Guardians money line: Guardians -120, Rays +100
Rays vs. Guardians run line: Guardians -1.5 (+192)
Rays vs. Guardians over/under: 5.5 runs
CLE: Guardians are 4-0 in their last four Friday games
TB: Rays are 4-0 in their last four games following an off day
Rays vs. Guardians picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why you should back the Guardians

First baseman Josh Naylor owns a powerful swing due to his strong base. Naylor can hit for power and average with superb plate coverage and pitch recognition. The 25-year-old can rip the baseball into any gap on the diamond with ease. Naylor finished the regular season with a batting average of .256 along with 20 home runs and 79 RBI.

Second baseman Andres Gimenez is a compact hitter with outstanding awareness when at the plate. Gimenez also plays excellent defense with good range and arm strength. The 24-year-old owns the quickness to be a base-stealing threat and swiped 20 bags during the year. Gimenez is batting .297 with 17 home runs, 69 RBI and 66 runs scored.

Why you should back the Rays

Left fielder Randy Arozarena is a true speedster in the outfield and on base. Arozarena owns blazing speed to steal bases and recover plenty of ground defensively. The 27-year-old has good pitch recognition skills with home run power. He led the team in home runs (20), RBI (89) and hits (154). Arozarena also finished the season tied for fourth in the MLB in stolen bases (32).

Third baseman Yandy Diaz is another two-way player for Tampa Bay. Diaz can be a solid run-producer and secure hits to get on base. The 31-year-old constantly plays stout defense in the corner with great throwing strength and accuracy. He was batting .296 with nine home runs and 57 RBI to wrap up the regular season. On Sept. 30, he went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs driven in.