Ben Lively Player Props: Diamondbacks vs Guardians 8/7

Photo Credit: © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Game Summary

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Cleveland Guardians are set to face off on August 7, 2024, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The Diamondbacks enter this matchup with a record of 61-52, sitting third in the NL West, while the Guardians boast a strong 67-45 record, leading the AL Central. This game comes at a critical juncture for both teams, with the Guardians on a three-game losing streak, looking to regain their footing at home, where they've excelled with a 35-18 record. Despite their recent struggles, Cleveland ranks seventh in the American League with 126 home runs this season. The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, have been on a roll, winning eight of their last ten games while boasting a .312 batting average during this stretch. They also rank second in the NL with a collective batting average of .258. This will be the second meeting between these two teams this season, and both will be eager to capitalize on this opportunity. Top performers to watch include Jose Ramirez for the Guardians, who has 29 home runs and 94 RBIs this season, and Ketel Marte for the Diamondbacks, who boasts a .300 batting average with 28 home runs and 78 RBIs. As they clash in this pivotal game, both teams are looking to solidify their playoff hopes.

Player Prop Odds

Ben Lively:

• Pitcher Record a Win: No -350, Yes +235

Player Analysis

Ben Lively has had a solid season for the Guardians, holding a record of 10-6 with a 3.42 ERA and 90 strikeouts. His performance has been instrumental in helping Cleveland stay competitive in the AL Central. Lively's ability to limit walks (1.15 WHIP) and maintain a low ERA has made him a reliable option in the starting rotation. Over his last few outings, he has displayed improved control and effectiveness against both left-handed and right-handed batters, which is crucial against a diverse Diamondbacks lineup.

Opposing Analysis

The Diamondbacks' offense has been particularly effective against right-handers like Lively, evidenced by their recent success. Players such as Ketel Marte and Jake McCarthy have been hitting well, and they could pose a challenge for Lively if he’s not on point. The Diamondbacks average 4.75 runs per game and have been outscoring opponents by a significant margin in their recent games, making this matchup intriguing for Lively's performance.

Pitching Probables

Team Previews

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks are currently positioned third in the NL West with a record of 61-52. They have been performing well offensively, ranking second in the NL with a team batting average of .258. Their pitching staff has also been effective, maintaining a 3.73 ERA, ranking fifth in the league. Key players include Ketel Marte, who leads the team with 28 home runs and 78 RBIs, and Jake McCarthy, who has been hot at the plate recently.

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians lead the AL Central with a record of 67-45. They are known for their power hitting, ranking seventh in the AL with 126 home runs. However, their starting pitching has been a concern, particularly with injuries to key pitchers like Shane Bieber. The Guardians will rely heavily on Lively's performance in this game to turn around their losing streak and maintain their division lead.

Team Injuries

Recent Games

Arizona Diamondbacks

Cleveland Guardians

Prediction