Run Total Picks — 2026-10-17

As the Tampa Bay Rays take the field at Progressive Field against the Cleveland Guardians, the chill in the air—45 degrees and a light breeze blowing out to right—sets the stage for a pitcher's duel that could keep the scoreboard quiet. Nick Martinez and Shawn Armstrong are set to duel, both seeking to capitalize on a cool and humid night that should suppress offensive fireworks. With the total holding steady at 6.5, the conditions suggest a lean toward the under, as the park's history and the teams' recent performances favor low-scoring affairs. Add in the lack of announced lineups and the uncertainty around bullpen effectiveness, and the odds of a high-scoring game seem slim. This matchup promises to showcase the art of pitching, with both teams likely to rely heavily on their starters to navigate the frigid air and keep the runs at bay.