The Cleveland Guardians (29-25) host the Los Angeles Dodgers (34-21) on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. First pitch from Progressive Field is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET; the game will be broadcast on MLB Network.
The Dodgers enter Wednesday in search of a three-game sweep of the Guardians. Clayton Kershaw will be on the hill for L.A for his third start of the season — he can barely hit 90 mph on the gun these days, but the Dodgers are nonetheless -142 moneyline favorites.
Find my Dodgers vs Guardians prediction and preview for Wednesday below.
Editor's Note: This Dodgers-Guardians betting preview was written before the Guardians scratched scheduled starter Slade Cecconi.
My Dodgers vs Guardians Prediction
- Dodgers vs Guardians picks: Over 9 (-112 | Play to -120)
My Dodgers vs Guardians best bet is Over 9. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Dodgers vs Guardians Odds
| Dodgers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +114 | 9 -120o / 100u | -142 |
| Guardians Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -135 | 9 -120o / 100u | +120 |
Dodgers vs Guardians Projected Starting Pitchers
| LHP Clayton Kershaw (LAD) | Stat | LHP Kolby Allard (CLE) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-0 | W-L | 2-0 |
| -0.1 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 0.3 |
| 7.50 / 7.67 | ERA / xERA | 1.50 / 3.14 |
| 6.24 / 5.50 | FIP / xFIP | 2.79 / 4.85 |
| 1.50 | WHIP | 1.00 |
| -3.8% | K-BB% | 5.8% |
| 36.8% | GB% | 34.5% |
| 97 | Stuff+ | 89 |
| 91 | Location+ | 106 |
Tony Sartori’s Dodgers vs Guardians Preview
Why The Dodgers Can Win
Cleyton Kershaw is doing his best to battle Father Time. However, age, injuries and a lack of consistent appearances over the past two seasons create cause for concern.
Through six innings this year, the veteran left-hander owns a 7.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP — and his underlying metrics are even worse.
If he qualified, Kershaw would rank in the bottom quarter of the league in expected ERA (xERA), expected batting average (xBA), strikeout rate and walk rate. The good news for Kershaw is that he should receive plenty of run support.
Entering this matchup, Los Angeles ranks in the top three in the league in runs per game, hits per game, slugging percentage and OPS. That success is likely to continue against Guardians right-hander Slade Cecconi.
Why The Guardians Can Win
Through 33 combined plate appearances against Cecconi, who is a former member of the Diamondbacks, the current Dodgers roster boasts a .400 batting average, .833 slugging percentage and .536 weighted on-base average (wOBA).
From the other perspective, Cecconi is 0-1 with a 16.50 ERA and 2.50 WHIP through two career appearances against Los Angeles.
Cecconi’s analytics this season are also underwhelming. He has made only two starts, but if he qualified, he would rank in the bottom half of the league in xERA, xBA, average exit velocity and barrel rate.
Struggling on the mound is typically a recipe for disaster against the Dodgers, and Wednesday should be no different.
The weather also favors Los Angeles’ bats, with the forecast calling for a humid afternoon and winds blowing out to left-center field.
How To Make Dodgers vs Guardians Picks
The main concern with taking the over in this contest is Cleveland’s lineup. That said, the risk is mitigated with Kershaw on the mound.
The future Hall of Famer's numbers are down across the board, and positive regression appears unlikely.
On the other hand, the Dodgers have consistently dominated Cecconi, who has struggled in his own right.
Pick: Over 9 (-112 | Play to -120)
Moneyline
I lean toward Los Angeles, but don't want to back Kershaw.
Run Line (Spread)
I also like Los Angeles to cover, but I am staying away for the same reason listed above.
Over/Under
As mentioned, I'm betting Over 9.
