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The Boston Red Sox (84-72) return home to historic Fenway Park to begin a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians (81-75) Tuesday night.

The Guardians are heating up at the perfect time, entering Tuesday on a five-game winning streak that has included a series victory over the Chicago White Sox, which resulted in Cleveland taking over first place in the AL Central. The Guardians hold just a one-game lead over Chicago in the division and aren’t guaranteed a playoff spot as a Wild Card team if that changes, so these final six games of the regular season are extremely important.

The Red Sox have been an incredible story this season, having fired former manager Alex Cora after a 10-17 start to the year and owning a 37-48 record as recently as July 1 following a loss to Washington. However, Boston has completely flipped the script under interim manager Chad Tracy, who has led an improbable turnaround that resulted in the Red Sox clinching a playoff berth as an AL Wild Card team. Tracy was rewarded for his efforts and has been given a three-year contract as the Red Sox’s permanent manager moving forward.

Red Sox rookie left-hander Payton Tolle is scheduled to make the start for Tuesday night’s series opener, while Guardians rookie left-hander and 2026 All-Star Parker Messick is set to take the mound opposite him. Tolle is 9-6 with a 3.02 ERA this season and has allowed just one earned run through his first two starts of September, while Messick brings a 12-9 record and 2.57 ERA into the matchup.

Messick (+1750) and Tolle (+7500) own the second- and third-shortest odds, respectively, to win the 2026 American League Rookie of the Year Award at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook.

Check out our Guardians vs. Red Sox predictions, picks, and more ahead of Tuesday night’s series opener at Fenway Park.

Guardians vs. Red Sox Odds

Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists the Red Sox as home favorites for Tuesday night’s matchup:

  • Moneyline: Red Sox -130, Guardians +110
  • Run Line: Red Sox -1.5 (+170), Guardians +1.5 (-210)
  • Total (Runs): Over 6.5 (-115), Under 6.5 (-105)
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Guardians vs. Red Sox Predictions

The MLB playoffs are almost here, and Tuesday night’s Guardians vs. Red Sox game certainly feels like a playoff-type matchup. If you’re looking to get in on the baseball betting action, make sure to check out the Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for insights and trends to help make wagers such as our Guardians vs. Red Sox prediction below:

Red Sox vs. Guardians Best Bet: Trevor Story Over 0.5 Hits (-155)

Trevor Story missed a large chunk of the season due to sports hernia surgery, but the veteran shortstop has been on fire at the plate since his return. Story’s first game back in the Red Sox’s lineup was on Aug. 30, and since then, he has recorded at least one hit in 18 of his 19 games played while batting .338 during that span.

Story is batting .279 against left-handed pitching this season and has enjoyed more success overall against southpaws compared to right-handers. He enters Tuesday on an 11-game hitting streak.

  • Red Sox vs. Guardians Player Prop Pick for Sept. 22: Trevor Story Over 0.5 Hits (-155)

Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for CLE-BOS

Here’s how the action in the player prop markets is looking as the Guardians and Red Sox gear up for Tuesday night’s series opener at Fenway Park:

  1. Wilyer Abreu – To Record 3+ Total Bases
  2. Steven Kwan – Over 0.5 Hits
  3. Payton Tolle – Over 5.5 Strikeouts
  4. Adley Rutschman – Over 0.5 Hits
  5. Trevor Story – Over 0.5 Hits

Guardians vs. Red Sox Game Info

  • šŸ“ Where: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
  • šŸ“… Date: Tuesday, Sept. 22
  • ā° First Pitch: 6:45 PM ET
  • šŸ“ŗšŸ’» TV/Streaming: MLB.TV
  • ⚾ Probable Pitchers:
    • Guardians: Parker Messick
    • Red Sox: Payton Tolle

More Ways to Bet

One swing can cash your ticket, but until then, Florida players can keep things interesting with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet. It’s another way to stay engaged between plate appearances.

Referenced odds are subject to change.

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Michael Hennelly

Michael has been an active sports contributor for multiple publications since graduating from Penn State in 2024. While sports play a major role in his life (in the best way), he also enjoys spending time with family and friends. Contact Michael at michael.hennelly at hardrockdigital.com.