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White Sox vs. Guardians Prediction and Odds for Monday, April 18 (Believe in Bieber as Slight Favorite)

By Ben Heisler

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber hasn't been the dominant ace of the past so far in 2022, pitching just 10 innings in two starts.
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber hasn't been the dominant ace of the past so far in 2022, pitching just 10 innings in two starts. / Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY
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It's a chilly, potentially rainy night in Cleveland as the Guardians welcome the Chicago White Sox to town for a 6:10 p.m. ET first pitch.

Chicago finds themselves in a familiar spot at the top of the AL Central standing through the first three series of the year. Their offense is yet to really click, but their pitching staff is tops in the American League in strikeouts per nine innings.

Meanwhile, Cleveland, along with the Detroit Tigers find themselves two games back in the standings, but actually own the best run differential in the American League at +11; and are second in runs scored behind only the surprising Oakland Athletics.

Who comes out ahead in their early evening start?

Let's break down today's odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

White Sox vs Guardians Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line

  • White Sox +1.5 (-210)
  • Guardians -1.5 (+170)

Moneyline:

  • White Sox: -102
  • Guardians: -108

Total:

  • 8 (Over -105/Under -115)

White Sox vs Guardians Prediction and Pick

Shane Bieber faces left-handed veteran Dallas Keuchel today as Chicago has dealt with some injuries to their rotation. While Bieber has not been the superb ace of the past in his first two starts of the season, I'll still back him as a slight favorite at home.

Last year, he was dominant against a very good White Sox lineup; going 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in four starts, striking out an average of eight hitters each time. For whatever reason, he has their number, despite some of his struggles from a season ago.

Cleveland needs their ace to start going deeper in games, and the plan from manager Terry Francona is to get him to that point over time. Bieber has thrown less than 80 pitches in his first two starts, but appears to be getting more stretched out with the season underway.

As for Chicago, if they can get another five innings and 3 or less earned runs out of Keuchel again, that's a win in their book. The 34-year old lefty struggled mightily last season with a WHIP of over 1.5, losing his spot in the rotation late in the year.

Cleveland's offense has been elite in the early going, and they also have the better pitcher on the hill. They may not be the better team, but this matchup suits them well and I like them to win as small favorites at home.

LEAN: Guardians moneyline (-108)

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