They say that patience is a virtue, but when Opening Day of the MLB schedule is less than a week away, it is hard to stay calm. It has been a fun Spring Training watching MLB games and making MLB picks, and we still have a few more to go.
Friday is finally here, and the Chicago Cubs are taking on the Cleveland Guardians. We have an interleague battle between the NL and AL Central. Follow along for our Cubs vs Guardians prediction, in what is a rematch of the 2016 World Series.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians Odds
Can you believe it has already been six seasons since the Chicago Cubs ended their World Series drought against the Cleveland Guardians? Anytime these two teams play, even if it is Spring Training, it is still a great matchup to watch.
For any MLB teams that square off prior to the regular season, the lines are going to be close. Unsurprisingly, that is the case as we make our Cubs vs Guardians prediction for Friday night’s game.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians Matchup Information
Chicago Cubs vs Cleveland Guardians
Location of the Game: Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear, AZ.
Date and Time: Friday, March 24, 2023, 9:05 PM ET.
How to Watch: Bally Sports Great Lakes | MLB Network
Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians Betting Preview
Chicago Cubs
First and foremost, we have to recognize that the Chicago Cubs are playing two games today. Their day starts off with a test against the Texas Rangers before they end their night against the Cleveland Guardians. It will be a fun day of baseball for Chicago fans.
Heading into Friday, the Cubs are 14-10 throughout Spring Training. As we prepare for the Chicago Cubs 2023 schedule, it is important to discuss how 2022 ended for the team from the Windy City. Chicago struggled for most of the season as they finished with just 74 wins, but they finished the season on a high note.
The Cubs won eight of their final 10 games of the season, forcing the front office to go out and spend during the offseason. The Cubs may not have the best MLB player stats in 2023, but they will be a solid team.
Chicago Cubs’ Winning Streak Continues
Chicago is currently on a four-game winning streak and shows no signs of slowing down. The Cubs lost their previous game against the Guardians in February, 12-4. The weakness for the Cubs is pitching, and that will be the key to the game against Cleveland.
A player to monitor on the MLB injury report is Nico Hoerner. The shortstop is currently listed as day-to-day and may not see action in either game on Friday.
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians turned heads last season by making the playoffs as a very young and inexperienced team. With a 9-14 record through Spring Training in 2023, they may have lost some of the momentum they finished last year with.
Even with an underwhelming showing in Spring Training, the Guardians are still the favorites to be atop the MLB standings in the AL Central yet again.
As alluded to above, this will be the second time the Guardians battle the Chicago Cubs. Cleveland had the upperhand as they put 12 runs on the board. Can they sweep the season series? Stay tuned as our Cubs vs Guardians prediction is almost here.
Cleveland Guardians’ Recent Form
Despite their record, the Guardians have been hot down the stretch. In last night’s win against the San Francisco Giants, Cleveland strung together double-digit runs. They were led by recently-acquired Josh Bell who barreled a home run with four RBI.
The entire injury report for the Guardians features pitching. If they are going to walk away with the win, their healthy pitchers will have to step up.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians Betting Picks
When you have two teams that are both hot, you might as well flip a coin. As the Chicago Cubs battle the Cleveland Guardians, there is no need.
Finally, our Cubs vs Guardians prediction is here.
- Take Cleveland over Chicago on the moneyline as they look to sweep the Spring Training series.
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