Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago White Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays 7/5/23

The Toronto Blue Jays (46-40) are on the road to face the Chicago White Sox (37-50) at Guaranteed Rate Field on Wednesday. The Blue Jays took Tuesday’s series opener 4-3, their fifth straight head-to-head victory, including all four games this season.

Nate Pearson threw one scoreless inning of relief to get the win, and Jordan Romano struck out the side in the ninth for his 25th save. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Tim Anderson went 2 for 4 with a triple and one run for the White Sox.

ON THE MOUND

Jose Berrios (8-6, 3.74 ERA) is set to take the mound for Toronto. The right-hander is tied for fourth in the AL in wins. Berrios allowed four runs over six innings in his last start, a 5-0 road defeat against the Red Sox on Friday.

He was charged with the loss, yielding five hits while striking out eight. Berrios has made one previous start against the White Sox this season, a 7-0 home victory on April 25. He allowed four hits over seven scoreless innings, striking out nine and walking one.

RHP Lance Lynn (5-8, 6.47 ERA) takes the mound for Chicago. He has made one prior start against the Blue Jays this season, giving up four runs over five innings in a 5-2 road defeat on April 24. He gave up five hits and walked three while striking out four in the loss.

In his last start on Thursday, Lynn got the win on the road against the Angels. He threw six innings and gave up five runs on eight hits, striking out seven and walking two in the 9-7 victory. The righty ranks fifth in the AL in strikeouts (116).

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Toronto has averaged only 3.2 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.5, while slashing worse across the board (.181/.257/.335). Against right-handed pitchers like Lynn this season, the Jays have a .754 OPS.

Brandon Belt is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .855 OPS in 167 at-bats. Chicago is averaging 6.0 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.2 for the season, with a better slash line (.271/.355/.412).

The Sox have a .684 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the fourth lowest in MLB. With a .852 OPS over 252 at-bats, Luis Robert Jr. has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Toronto is on a three-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 23-22 in 2023. The Jays have scored 4.6 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.7 runs.

Chicago has gone 20-21 at home this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 4.9. In the last 10 games between the teams at Guaranteed Rate Field, each club has won five, though Toronto has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.1-4.4.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Blue Jays are fourth in the AL East, 10 games behind the division-leading Rays. The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, seven games behind the Twins.