Cleveland Guardians vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 10/15/26, 4:01 AM  by Travis Pulver | Modified on 10/15/26 at 4:18 AM in MLB Picks

The ALCS moves to Ohio for Game 3 between the Tampa Bay Rays (98-64, 43-38 Away) and the Cleveland Guardians (85-77, 41-40 Home).  First Pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST at Progressive Field with coverage provided by TBS.

Tampa Bay led early in Game 1 with two runs in the bottom of the first. But the Cleveland lineup came alive once the Rays went to the bullpen, scoring six runs over the last three innings to secure a 7-3 victory.  However, in Game 2, they couldn't replicate that late-game offense and fell to the Rays 3-1.

Cleveland is expected to start Game 3 with Gavin Williams on the mound. Williams has been phenomenal in the postseason, pitching 11 2/3 innings across three games vs. the White Sox. He gave up just six hits and two earned runs (1.54 postseason ERA) while striking out 24. In the regular season, he went 8-4 in 18 home starts with a 2.84 ERA and a .201 OBA.

Griffin Jax is set to start for the Rays. He appeared in one game for the Rays in the ALDS, pitching two innings, allowing one hit and one earned run, and striking out four.  Jax had a 3.61 ERA in road games this season, going 4-5 in 18 appearances (10 starts) with a  .255 OBA.