New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (54) delivers pitch against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado.

The Cleveland Guardians (33-27) and the New York Yankees (37-23) wrap up a 3-game series at Yankee Stadium Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Guardians vs. Yankees odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Guardians lead 3-2

The Guardians surprised the Yankees 4-0 in the middle game Wednesday night, as RHP Luis Ortiz baffled New York with 5 2/3 scoreless innings with 7 strikeouts on 92 pitches, while the bullpen took over and tossed 3 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball with just 2 hits and no walks on 46 pitches.

On offense, Cleveland's 3B Jose Ramirez had a double off of RHP Clarke Schmidt, a guy he has owned in his career, while 2B Daniel Schneemann collected 2 doubles and a single in 4 at-bats with an RBI. OF Steven Kwan was 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored, and 1B Kyle Manzardo swatted his 11th homer. It wasn't all good, as SS Gabriel Arias did take the golden sombrero, striking out in all 4 at-bats.

The Yankees managed just 3 hits against a guy who entered with a 6.39 ERA and 1.68 WHIP across 31 IP in his 6 previous road outings, while compiling just 4 singles and a double by OF Cody Bellinger. DH Ben Rice and OF Aaron Judge were each 2-for-4 with singles, while Tuesday's hitting hero in the 3-2 win 3B Jazz Chisholm struck out 3 times in 4 at-bats.

The Under is 4-1 in the past 5 games for the Guardians, while going 6-1 in the past 7 road games, or 9-2 across the past 11 on the road. For the Yankees, the loss snapped a 5-game win streak at The Stadium, while the Under is now an impressive 8-1 in the past 9 home outings.

Guardians at Yankees projected starters

RHP Slade Cecconi vs. LHP Max Fried

Cecconi (1-1, 5.28 ERA) makes his fourth start. He has a 1.43 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 in 15 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: No decision, 4 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 7 H (3 HR), 3 BB, 3 K in 7-5 home win vs. Los Angeles Angels May 31
  • 2025 road stats: 1-1, 3.27 ERA (11 IP, 4 ER), 2 HR, 2 BB, 14 K, 1.09 WHIP in 2 starts
  • Career vs. Yankees (1 relief appearance): No decision, 2 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 3 H (1 solo HR), 0 BB, 2 K in 7-1 road loss Sept. 22, 2023 (with Arizona Diamondbacks)

Fried (7-1, 1.92 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 0.97 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 in 75 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 6 ER, 8 H (2 HR), 0 BB, 3 K in 8-5 road setback vs. LA Dodgers May 30
  • 2025 home stats: 3-0, 1.69 ERA (37 1/3 IP, 7 ER), 2 HR, 10 BB, 36 K, 0.96 WHIP in 6 starts
  • Career vs. Guardians (1 start): Win, 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 H (1 HR), 3 BB, 6 K in 11-5 home victory with Braves April 21, 2019

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Guardians at Yankees odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:49 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Guardians +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Yankees -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Guardians +1.5 (+105) | Yankees -1.5 (-130)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Guardians at Yankees picks and predictions

Prediction

Yankees 6, Guardians 1

Moneyline

The Yankees (-225) are much too expensive to play straight up, costing in excess of 2 times your potential return. Even with a boost or promo to work down the odds, it still wouldn't be a very good singular play. As part of a multi-leg parlay it is perfectly OK to include New York, however.

PASS.

Run line/Against the spread

Play YANKEES -1.5 (-130) for a much better value. The southpaw Fried was terrible last time out in Los Angeles, but he could have been pitching with some nerves, even as a veteran, as he hails from nearby Santa Monica, Calif. Back at home in front of the Yankee faithful, don't expect another shabby showing.

For the Guardians, Cecconi takes the ball, and he was homer happy last time out against the Halos. If he leaves the ball up against the Yankees, Slade is going to run, run, run away to the dugout and clubhouse for a quick shower.

Over/Under

UNDER 8.5 (-115) is worth a look in Thursday's series finale.

Playing low against Cecconi is risky business, as he served up 3 homers last time out against the light-hitting Angels. But, Fried should be able to post plenty of donuts.

Plus, the Under is 8-1 in the past 9 home games for the Yankees, and the wind shouldn't be a factor, blowing right to left from first base to third base at a 6-9 mph clip.

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Cleveland Guardians at New York Yankees odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Daniel Dobish, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

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