Venue: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
TV/Stream: CleGuardians.TV / Padres.TV (MLB.TV available in most markets; Fubo streaming option)
Starting Pitchers
Padres: RHP Michael King (7-8, 3.37 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 136.1 IP, 120 K, 55 BB)
Guardians: RHP Gavin Williams (11-6, 3.55 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 144.2 IP, 185 K, 41 BB)
King has been a steady mid-rotation presence for San Diego, posting quality recent outings (including 6 IP, 1 ER vs. Houston). He owns strong career numbers against Cleveland. Williams has been a high-strikeout force (elite K/9) with a solid ERA and low WHIP, though his team has struggled around him lately. Both right-handers give this the feel of a low-scoring pitchers’ duel.
Venue and Weather Forecast
Progressive Field is a relatively neutral park that can play pitcher-friendly with certain wind directions. Forecast for Cleveland: Highs in the low-to-mid 80s°F (around 82–83°F). Partly cloudy with a slight chance of morning showers (precipitation probability ~20% or lower by evening). Northeast winds 5–10 mph. Comfortable evening conditions expected with lows in the mid-to-upper 60s. Minimal delay risk for first pitch.
Injury Reports
Padres:
Miguel Andujar (DH/OF, 10-day IL, wrist)
Samad Taylor (OF, 10-day IL, oblique)
Lucas Giolito (P, 15-day IL, elbow)
Longer-term absences include Joe Musgrove, Nick Pivetta, Jason Adam, Bryan Hoeing, Ramon Laureano (mostly elbow/shoulder/hip 60-day IL).
Guardians:
Slade Cecconi (P, 15-day IL, arm)
Shawn Armstrong (RP, 60-day IL, leg)
San Diego is missing depth pieces and some rotation/bullpen arms, while Cleveland’s list is shorter but the team has been underperforming.
Active rosters feature key contributors such as Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, and Xander Bogaerts for the Padres; José Ramírez, Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, and Brayan Rocchio for the Guardians.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups and Notes
King (RHP) will face a Guardians lineup led by contact hitters like Kwan (hot recently) and DeLauter (.285 AVG with power), plus the always-dangerous Ramírez. Williams’ high-velocity, high-K stuff presents a tough test for San Diego’s mix of power (Machado’s HR production) and speed.
King has historically dominated Cleveland (strong career ERA and WHIP vs. them). Both pitchers limit hard contact effectively, setting up a potential grind-it-out game. Progressive Field’s dimensions and evening conditions should favor the arms.
Recent Team Forms
Padres: 7-3 in last 10 and winners of five straight. Riding strong recent form (15-5 in last 20 in some reports) and sitting in the thick of the NL wild-card race (second in NL West). Solid but not elite road record (28-31). Offense has been timely; pitching has been efficient of late.
Guardians: 3-7 in last 10 and losers of 15 of their last 20 in broader stretches. Fourth in the AL Central and searching for answers after recent shutouts and home struggles (28-31 at Progressive Field). On a multi-game home skid.
Series History
This is the first meeting of the 2026 season between the clubs (interleague matchup). No prior 2026 games. Historical context is limited for this specific series, but Progressive Field has hosted competitive contests. This opens a three-game set.
Betting Trends
San Diego’s superior overall record, hot streak, and King’s reliability contrast with Cleveland’s recent skid. The market still prices the home team as a slight favorite, creating potential value on the road underdog. Low total reflects the quality of both starters and Progressive Field’s tendencies.
Game Odds
San Diego Padres 7.5
Cleveland Guardians – 129
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, August 13, 2026
