MLB Odds, Picks, Predictions for Diamondbacks vs. Guardians: Why You Should Back Bieber & Cleveland (Wednesday, Aug. 3)

Diamondbacks vs. Guardians Odds

The Cleveland Guardians and Arizona Diamondbacks square off in the rubber match between two teams that had relatively quiet trade deadlines.

Arizona has leaned into its youth movement by parting with former All-Star David Peralta. Meanwhile, the Guardians are like me in the dating world: just rolling with what we've got.

Speaking of the youth movement, Tommy Henry will make his MLB debut for the Diamondbacks, and he'll be taking on the savvy veteran Shane Bieber for the Guardians.

This could be an interesting matchup.

Will Trade Deadline Positively Impact Diamondbacks?

The Diamondbacks had some appealing options potentially available at the trade deadline. But on Tuesday, they held onto what they had.

Zac Gallen rewarded them with a quality start and a victory.

Henry will be the story of the night for the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. He's the organization's No. 9 prospect, per Baseball America, and he's in a great situation with Brent Strom and Madison Bumgarner in the same dugout.

The young lefty will have his work cut out for him, but perhaps him being an unknown quantity will give him an edge.

If he should run into trouble, he'll be backed by a Diamondbacks bullpen that has been one of the best units in MLB over the past couple of weeks. They're second in FIP and fourth in ERA, making this their strongest stretch of the season.

Additionally, the Diamondbacks may be bound to take another step forward. Now that there's more job security for their young players and general security for their remaining veterans, their offense could be due for some positive regression.

Guardians Have to Feel Good With Bieber on Hill

One thing standing in the way of the Diamondbacks' offense positively regressing is they have to face a savvy and reliable Bieber. For all of the criticism Bieber faced about velocity and spin rate, he's been solid for the Guardians all season.

He's also come on strong at home in recent months. Over the past two months, Bieber has posted a 2.39 ERA with a 2.51 FIP at home. Bieber has really learned to throw with his secondary pitches this season, and it's helped him guide a really talented Guardians starting staff.

One weak spot for the Guards is they are a substantially weaker team against LHP.

With the rookie on the mound for the Diamondbacks, this could cause some trouble for a Guardians team that has struggled against LHP all season.

Diamondbacks-Guardians Pick

The Guardians are playing for a playoff spot at the moment, and they've been an incredibly gritty team in 2022. With their ace on the mound against a team that is turning things over to their youngsters, the Guardians are in an advantageous situation on Wednesday.

While the mystery of Henry may give the Diamondbacks a slight chance, the Guardians should be able to take care of business over the course of the full nine.

Pick: Guardians -1.5 (-115)