The Cleveland Guardians continue to trend in the right direction as they head into Tuesday’s matchup against the struggling Baltimore Orioles, riding a surge of momentum following a convincing 10–5 victory in Monday’s opener. Now 59–53 on the season, Cleveland is firmly entrenched in the American League playoff race and has played some of its most complete baseball at home, where both the bats and the pitching have delivered in clutch moments. Right-hander Tanner Bibee gets the nod for this game, and while his 6–9 record may appear modest, his recent form has been encouraging. In his last outing—ironically also against the Orioles—Bibee went seven strong innings and limited Baltimore to minimal damage, showing improved command and poise. Bibee’s success is reflective of a Guardians rotation that has grown increasingly reliable over the summer months, with the bullpen continuing to lock down close games thanks to arms like Emmanuel Clase and Hunter Gaddis. At the plate, the Guardians have been powered by the relentless consistency of José Ramírez, who remains among the league leaders in home runs and stolen bases, while Josh Naylor and Bo Naylor are also heating up, providing critical left-handed punch in the middle and bottom of the order. Kyle Manzardo, another young contributor, has shown solid plate discipline and has been productive in RBI spots, helping Cleveland create crooked numbers early and apply scoreboard pressure.

As a team, the Guardians have done an excellent job of situational hitting, particularly against right-handed pitchers like Zach Eflin, who returns from the IL for the Orioles after weeks of inactivity. Eflin’s last start against Cleveland was shaky, and the Guardians will look to exploit any early rust with aggressive approaches in the box. Defensively, Cleveland has remained one of the sharper infields in the AL, committing few errors and turning key double plays when needed. Their ability to hold leads late—thanks in large part to their bullpen’s efficiency—has given them confidence in tight games, and that poise has translated to a winning record in one-run contests. Another edge the Guardians bring is their success covering the spread at home, especially when facing sub-.500 teams. With the Orioles currently floundering and sending out a starter working back from injury, the Guardians will aim to strike early and often, forcing Baltimore to play from behind where they’ve been at their weakest. The coaching staff has continued to mix youth with experience effectively, and the team’s chemistry is increasingly evident in their dugout demeanor and on-field execution. As long as Bibee delivers a quality start and the offense remains opportunistic, Cleveland is well-positioned to secure another series win and continue building its postseason resume. This game offers the Guardians a chance to capitalize on home field, deepen their pitching confidence, and maintain their rhythm against an Orioles squad that has not shown the same cohesion or consistency in recent weeks.