The Cleveland Guardians usher in a new era against the Kansas City Royals

April 7, 2022

Guardians at Royals 

Kaufman Stadium – Kansas City, MO 
4:10 PM ET 
Cleveland -125 

The Major League Baseball season finally gets underway on Thursday. After being delayed due to a lockout, opening day is here! 

For the Guardians, it’s the start of a new era. Formerly the Indians, Cleveland is rebranded for the 2022 season. 

They’ll begin the year with Shane Bieber on the hill. A season ago, the righthander went 7-4 with a 3.17 ERA. 

He’ll face a Kansas City team that he’s dominated during his career. Bieber is 4-0 against the Royals in 10 appearances, with 74 strikeouts and a 3.65 ERA. That bodes well for the Guardians. 

On the other side, Zack Greinke gets the start. While certainly a big name, he’s not the same pitcher he was during his first stint with the Royals, when he was among the best in the game from 2004-10. 

Mar 31, 2022; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) steals second base on Cleveland Guardians shortstop Yu Chang (2) in the third inning during spring training at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

A season ago, Greinke finished with an 11-6 record. His ERA (4.16) was the highest it’s been since 2016. Clearly, the 38-year-old pitcher is beginning to tail off. 

On a chilly day in Kansas City, lean toward the team with the better starter. The Guardians have the edge, making them the play. 

Mar 27, 2022; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Angel Zerpa (61) on the mound in the first inning during a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Richard DeMala’s pick: Cleveland M/L (-120) 

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