Hot-hitting Whit Merrifield will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Toronto Blue Jays (39-35) match up against the Miami Marlins (42-31) at loanDepot Park on Tuesday.
The Marlins took Monday’s series opener 11-0, their fifth straight victory overall. Reliever Huascar Brazoban threw two scoreless innings to get the win.
Luis Arraez went 5 for 5 with one run and two RBIs in the win. Jon Berti went 3 for 4 with a double, one run, and one RBI. Bo Bichette was 2 for 4 for the Blue Jays.
ON THE MOUND
Yusei Kikuchi (6-2, 4.31 ERA) is in line to get the start for Toronto. The lefty allowed two runs over 4.2 innings in his last start, a 4-2 road defeat against the Orioles on Thursday. He scattered six hits while striking out seven and walking two in the no-decision.
Right-hander Eury Perez (4-1, 1.80 ERA) takes the mound for Miami. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Blue Jays. In his last start on Wednesday, Perez got the win on the road against the Mariners. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up two hits, striking out six and walking one in the 4-1 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Toronto has averaged only 2.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.5, while slashing worse across the board (.220/.269/.329). Against right-handed pitchers like Perez this season, the Jays have a .758 OPS.
Brandon Belt is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .852 OPS in 139 at-bats. Miami is averaging 6.0 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.1 for the season, with a better slash line (.313/.392/.398).
The Fish have a .794 OPS against Southpaws in 2023, the fourth highest in the league. With a 1.301 OPS over 57 at-bats, Jorge Soler has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Toronto is on a three-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 20-22 in 2023. The Jays have scored 4.7 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.9 runs. Miami has won seven in a row at loanDepot Park.
The Fish are 22-13 at home this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. In the last 10 meetings at loanDepot Park, Toronto is 6-4 despite an average scoreline favoring Miami (3.9-3.1).
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Blue Jays are fourth in the AL East, 11 games behind the division-leading Rays. The Marlins are second in the NL East, four games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Miami Marlins (-120)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
