Cleveland Guardians vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions July 16th 2026

Streaking Guardians, Pirates collide in start to second half

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Guardians both went into the All-Star break on positive notes, pulling off impressive series sweeps.

Only one will be able to keep their momentum going Friday, when the Rust Belt rivals begin a three-game set in Cleveland.

Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams (10-4, 3.81 ERA) takes on Pirates righty Jared Jones (1-1, 4.37) on what is expected to be a hazy evening, caused by drifting smoke from the Canadian forest fires.

Cleveland is in a virtual tie with the Chicago White Sox atop the American League Central Division, while Pittsburgh sits two games out of the final National League wild-card spot.

“Let’s keep playing good baseball and we can revisit that in a month or two,” Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe said. “I have no idea what the standings look like, but I know the feel in the clubhouse – and the way the game looks that we’re putting out there – looks really good.”

Pittsburgh entered the break with its best record in 10 years, three games above .500 after beating the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers three times in 30 hours at home.

The series featured a huge performance by rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez, who had a three-homer, eight-RBI doubleheader. He hit .417 with nine RBIs over the three games, raising his season numbers to .309 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs in just 94 at-bats.

“It’s been fun to be a part of, so we’ll keep it rolling,” said All-Star pitcher Paul Skenes, who won the Pirates’ last contest. “We’re in a good spot and I’m super confident in our ability to show up after the break.

“There’s a lot of baseball left to play. It’s going to be a fun year.”

Jones starts for the first time since throwing six perfect innings against the Atlanta Braves on July 8, striking out eight before being lifted after just 77 pitches. He has never faced the Guardians.

Pirates manager Don Kelly admitted pulling Jones “sucks,” but wasn’t willing to overwork his surgically repaired pitching elbow. He remains under a limited pitch count in Cleveland.

“Coming off of surgery and everything, we just can’t push him,” Kelly said.

The Guardians counter with Williams, who is second in the AL in wins and third with 134 strikeouts but was arguably the biggest All-Star snub in the circuit.

Williams, who will pitch against Pittsburgh for the first time, is 8-8 with a 4.19 ERA in 22 interleague outings.

Known as the “Big Rig,” he worked seven innings and gave up two runs in beating the Minnesota Twins on July 9. That win preceded a three-game road sweep of the Miami Marlins heading into the break.

“Hopefully we’ll come back fresh and ready to rock,” Cleveland rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter said.

The Guardians open a seven-game homestand that also includes four against the Minnesota Twins. Seven-time All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez (left hamate bone surgery) and outfielder Angel Martinez (left foot fracture) could return against Minnesota.

“The All-Star break doesn’t kill your momentum unless you allow it to,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “We’re looking forward to getting back and playing more good baseball.”

–Field Level Media