The Guardians and Brewers will meet this weekend as the respective leaders of the Central divisions. The Guardians’ expected win-loss record is 69-52, the Brewers actual record is 69-52. Both are small market teams who lost their top starters (one via offseason trade, one via Tommy John surgery), yet have surprised the pundits so far this season.
The Guardians are 72-49 with a +84 run differential, ranked 14th in MLB with a team wRC+ of 100, 19th in baserunning runs above average at -2.4, 4th in defensive fWAR at 12.7, 27th in starting pitching FIP at 4.75, and first in relief pitching FIP at 3.