New York Mets vs. Cleveland Guardians Picks and Prediction for Thursday, August 6, 2026

The New York Mets visit the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday at 1:10 PM ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. New York is 48-66 and sits fifth in the NL East, 20.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves. The Mets snapped a three-game losing streak with a 6-2 victory in Tuesday's series opener and have won two of their last five games. Cleveland is 57-57 and sits second in the AL Central, three games behind the Chicago White Sox. The Guardians have dropped three of their last five contests and will look to avoid another home series loss. Be a winner with our free MLB picks.

New York Mets Looking to Build on the Series Opener

The Mets are batting .233 while scoring 463 runs with 889 hits, 134 home runs, a .303 on-base percentage, and a .381 slugging percentage. Juan Soto leads the club with a .283 batting average, 21 home runs, and a .408 on-base percentage, while Bo Bichette has collected 115 hits with 54 RBIs. Carson Benge is batting .264 with 12 home runs, Francisco Alvarez has added 12 home runs, and A.J. Ewing is hitting .265. New York will try to carry the momentum into the series finale.

The Mets have posted a 4.09 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP while holding opponents to a .237 batting average. The pitching staff has recorded 1,025 strikeouts, one of the highest totals in the National League, and has consistently kept the club competitive despite limited offensive production. New York limited Cleveland to only two runs in Tuesday's victory and will look for another strong performance from the staff.

Injuries: Austin Warren (15-Day IL), Justin Hagenman (60-Day IL), Mark Vientos (10-Day IL), Cionel Perez (15-Day IL), Juan Soto (10-Day IL).

Cleveland Guardians Looking to Bounce Back

Cleveland is batting .231 while scoring 448 runs with 869 hits, 109 home runs, a .311 on-base percentage, and a .369 slugging percentage. Chase DeLauter leads the Guardians with a .279 batting average, 12 home runs, and 55 RBIs, while Brayan Rocchio has collected 100 hits. Kyle Manzardo has added 13 home runs, Steven Kwan owns a .360 on-base percentage, and Travis Bazzana has contributed nine home runs with 35 RBIs. Cleveland continues to rely on balanced production rather than one dominant hitter.

The Guardians continue to rely on outstanding pitching, posting a 3.75 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP while limiting opponents to a .238 batting average. Cleveland has recorded 1,050 strikeouts, one of the highest totals in Major League Baseball, and has remained in the AL Central race because of its consistent work on the mound despite offensive inconsistency.

Injuries: Jose Ramirez (Day-To-Day), Shawn Armstrong (60-Day IL).

Pitching Matchup

New York Mets – Nolan McLean

McLean is 7-7 with a 3.29 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP across 125.2 innings. He has allowed 96 hits while striking out 148 batters, walking 45, and surrendering 13 home runs. McLean has been one of New York's most dependable starters throughout the season.

Cleveland Guardians – Foster Griffin

Griffin is 12-3 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP over 129.1 innings. The left-hander has allowed 109 hits while striking out 116 batters and issuing only 30 walks. Griffin has consistently worked deep into games and has been a key part of Cleveland's rotation.

New York Mets vs. Cleveland Guardians Game Pick

• Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland has a strong opportunity to bounce back behind Foster Griffin, who has put together an outstanding 12-3 record with a 3.06 ERA. The Guardians also continue to own one of the American League's best pitching staffs with a 3.75 team ERA and 1,050 strikeouts. New York played well in Tuesday's opener, but the Mets have struggled for consistency throughout the season. Playing at Progressive Field with the stronger overall pitching staff gives Cleveland the edge in the series finale.

New York Mets vs. Cleveland Guardians Over/Under Pick

• Under

Both starting pitchers have delivered excellent seasons, with Nolan McLean carrying a 3.29 ERA and Foster Griffin posting a 3.06 mark. Cleveland ranks among the league leaders with a 3.75 team ERA, while the Mets have also received dependable work from their pitching staff throughout the season. Neither lineup has produced consistent offense this year, making another lower-scoring game the most likely outcome. Play the under.