Find the Official Lineup for Guardians vs D-Backs – 8/18/2025

Cleveland Guardians

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Arizona Diamondbacks

As the Arizona Diamondbacks prepare to host the Cleveland Guardians on August 18, 2025, both teams come in with something to prove. The Diamondbacks, currently sitting at 60-65, are having a below-average season, while the Guardians, at 63-60, find themselves in the middle of the pack. This Interleague matchup marks the first game of their series, and both teams are looking to bounce back after tough losses. The Diamondbacks fell 6-5 in their last outing, while the Guardians lost 5-4.

On the mound, Zac Gallen is projected to start for the Diamondbacks, bringing a 9-12 record and a 5.31 ERA into the game. Despite his struggles, Gallen’s 4.16 xFIP suggests he may have been a bit unlucky this season and could turn things around. He projects to pitch 5.7 innings while allowing 2.6 earned runs, which is above average. Facing him will be Gavin Williams, who has been solid for the Guardians with a 3.38 ERA and a 7-4 record. Although Williams possesses a higher Power Rankings status at #78, his recent abbreviated start saw him allow four earned runs in just three innings.

Offensively, the Diamondbacks boast the 4th best offense in MLB, highlighted by their impressive power numbers, ranking 3rd in home runs. In contrast, the Guardians rank 28th in offense and dead last in batting average, which puts them at a significant disadvantage against Gallen. The projections indicate a high implied team total of 4.50 runs for both sides, suggesting a competitive game ahead, but the Diamondbacks’ potent lineup could exploit Williams’ high walk rate. With a Game Total set at 9.0 runs, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Cleveland Guardians Insights

• Cleveland Guardians – Moneyline (-110)
  Among all the teams in action today, the 2nd-best infield defense belongs to the Cleveland Guardians.
  Explain: Defense is an integral part of preventing hits and runs.
• Kyle Manzardo – Over/Under 0.5 Total Bases (-180/+140)
  Arizona’s #3-ranked outfield defense on the slate poses a formidable challenge for Kyle Manzardo, who tends to hit a lot of flyballs.
  Explain: This player’s skill set matches up poorly with the opposing team’s defensive strength, which may lead to worse-than-usual performance.
• Cleveland Guardians bats jointly place 29th- in the league for power this year when judging by their 6.8% Barrel%.
  Explain: Barrel% measures how often a player hits the ball at the optimal exit velocity and launch angle and is a terrific measure of underlying power.

Arizona Diamondbacks Insights

• Zac Gallen – Over/Under 17.5 Pitching Outs (-135/+105)
  Compared to the average starting pitcher, Zac Gallen has been given a longer leash than the average pitcher this year, recording an additional 4.2 adjusted pitches each start.
  Explain: Pitchers with a longer leash are more likely to go deeper into games and record more outs.
• Corbin Carroll – Over/Under 1.5 Total Bases (+105/-135)
  Over the last 14 days, Corbin Carroll has improved his Barrel% substantially, increasing it from his seasonal rate of 15.2% to 21.6%.
  Explain: Barrel% measures how often a player hits the ball at the optimal exit velocity and launch angle and is a terrific measure of underlying power.
• James McCann – Over/Under 0.5 Total Bases (-130/+100)
  James McCann hits a high percentage of his flyballs to center field (40.1% — 98th percentile) but may find it hard to clear the league’s 3rd-deepest CF fences in today’s matchup.
  Explain: This player’s skill set does not match up particularly well with the park he’s in today, which may lead to worse-than-usual performance.

Betting Trends

• Arizona Diamondbacks – 1st Five Innings (F5) Moneyline (-125)
  The Arizona Diamondbacks have hit the 1st Five Innings (F5) Moneyline in 60 of their last 109 games (+16.95 Units / 11% ROI)
• Cleveland Guardians – Run Line -1.0 (+125)
  The Cleveland Guardians have hit the Run Line in 29 of their last 45 away games (+12.10 Units / 20% ROI)
• James McCann – Over/Under 0.5 Runs (+180/-240)
  James McCann has hit the Runs Under in 8 of his last 9 games at home (+6.40 Units / 35% ROI)