The 2026 MLB playoffs continue on Friday evening with Game 4 of the ALCS between Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians.
Game 4 of the ALCS between the Rays and the Guardians is scheduled for Friday, October 16 and has an expected first pitch time of 6:00 PM ET.
The game is being played at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio and being broadcast on TBS/truTV, with Milwaukee Brewers waiting in the World Series.
Our article will preview this crucial Game 4 by providing you with our best bet, as well as our favorite player prop. Additionally, we will include the current betting odds and the home run odds for the top players from both teams.
Rays vs. Guardians betting picks and predictions
Under 6.5 total runs (-111)
Our top pick for Game 4 looks looking at the Under.
Tampa Bay enters this game trailing in the series 2-1. With that, the Rays are now in a must-win situation, as they cannot afford to drop a second straight game with Game 5 looming on Saturday.
Because of their situation, the Rays are set to Nick Martinez, who has a 2026 postseason ERA of 4.91.
Keep in mind that Martinez has only made one start in the playoffs, a game against the New York Yankees in the ALDS where he allowed two earned runs over 3.2 innings.
Despite what could be called a shaky playoff outing, Martinez has faced Cleveland two times this season, going 13.0 innings without allowing a run.
As for Cleveland, they will be looking to take a commanding 3-1 series lead with a chance to advance to the World Series on Saturday.
Throughout the playoffs, the Guardians have allowed an average of 2.9 runs per game, which includes 2.7 runs per game in the ALCS.
The Under has been hit or miss for both teams in the postseason, as Tampa Bay is 3-3 to the under, while Cleveland is 4-4 to the under.
That said, the under is 2-1 in this series so far; therefore, given the situation both teams find themselves in, backing Under 6.5 Total Runs is our best bet.
Jose Ramirez to hit a home run (+700)
Our favorite player prop for this game targets the Guardians' Jose Ramirez to hit a home run. So far in the playoffs, he has been one of Cleveland's best players, as he is hitting .333 through seven games.
More importantly, this includes two home runs, both in the ALDS against Chicago White Sox.
Despite having not homered in the ALCS against Tampa Bay, Ramirez is still tied for the most home runs for Cleveland in the postseason.
Because of that and because this game is in Cleveland - where Ramirez has had more success - backing him to hit a home run is our play.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the MLB on site.
Rays vs. Guardians odds
Tampa Bay Rays | -112 |
Cleveland Guardians | -108 |
Run Line | TB Rays -1.5 |
Total | O/U 6.5 |
Rays vs. Guardians player props
Home run odds
Junior Caminero (TB Rays) | +550 |
Jonathan Aranda (TB Rays) | +700 |
Yandy Diaz (TB Rays) | +800 |
Jo Adell (CLE Guardians) | +600 |
Chase DeLauter (CLE Guardians) | +650 |
Jose Ramirez (CLE Guardians) | +700 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
