Phillies vs. Guardians: Game 1, prediction, odds, injuries and picks - May 9, MLB 2025

After sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays, the high-flying Philadelphia Phillies will travel to Progressive Field to open a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians on Friday. Meanwhile, the Guardians are also high on confidence after beating the Washington Nationals, making this a must-watch series.

Both teams enter Friday's interleague contest with identical 22-15 records. Philadelphia will send Aaron Nola (1-5, 4.61 ERA) to the mound, while Cleveland will have Gavin Williams (2-2, 5.06 ERA) to start the game.

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Phillies vs. Guardians Game 1: Game Odds & Betting Lines

Moneyline: Phillies -124, Guardians +105

Run Line: Phillies -1.5 (+137), Guardians +1.5 (-163)

Over/Under: 8 runs (Over -101, Under -119)

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Phillies vs. Guardians Game 1: Injuries

Phillies

José Ruiz – Neck spasm, 15-Day IL

Guardians

Lane Thomas – Bone bruise (wrist), 10-Day IL

Slade Cecconi – Strained oblique, 15-Day IL (Rehab assignment on 4/30)

Paul Sewald – Strained shoulder, 15-Day IL

Trevor Stephan – Elbow surgery (UCL), 60-Day IL

Shane Bieber – Tommy John surgery, 60-Day IL

John Means – Tommy John surgery 60-Day IL

Sam Hentges – Shoulder surgery, 60-Day IL (Questionable for 2025 season)

David Fry – Elbow surgery, 60-Day IL (Out 6–8 months)

Erik Sabrowski – Elbow inflammation, 60-Day IL

Expected lineups

Phillies

1. 2B Bryson Stott L
2. SS Trea Turner R
3. 1B Bryce Harper L
4. DH K. Schwarber L
5. RF N. Castellanos R
6. LF Max Kepler L
7. C J. Realmuto R
8. 3B Alec Bohm R
9. CF B. Marsh L

Guardians

1. LF Steven Kwan L
2. 2B D. Schneemann L
3. 3B Jose Ramirez S
4. DH K. Manzardo L
5. 1B C. Santana S
6. C Bo Naylor L
7. SS G. Arias R
8. RF Nolan Jones L
9. CF A. Martinez S

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Phillies vs. Guardians Game 1: Prediction & Pick

The Phillies have Aaron Nola on the mound, and he's a good pitcher. He might have struggled, but he could keep the Phillies' lead intact if Kyle Schwarber & Co. provide him with early run support.

Expect it to be a game where more than eight runs will be scored, as it will be a crisp evening at Progressive Field.

Final Score Prediction: Phillies 6, Guardians 5

Best Bets

Over 8 runs

Phillies Moneyline (-124)

Guardians +1.5 on the run line (-163)