Free MLB Picks Today: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Toronto Blue Jays 5/6/23

Hot-hitting Bryan Reynolds will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Pittsburgh Pirates (20-13) host the Toronto Blue Jays (19-14) at PNC Park on Saturday. The Blue Jays took Friday’s series opener 4-0, their sixth straight head-to-head victory.

Chris Bassitt threw seven scoreless innings for the win. Whit Merrifield was 2 for 4 with a double and one run in the win. Rodolfo Castro went 1 for 2 with a walk for the Pirates.

ON THE MOUND

Jose Berrios (2-3, 5.29 ERA) is set to start for Toronto. The righty allowed five runs over 5.1 innings in his last start, a 6-5 road defeat against the Red Sox on Monday. He gave up 11 hits while striking out four and walking two in the no-decision.

For Pittsburgh, right-hander Johan Oviedo (2-2, 4.78 ERA) will take the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Blue Jays. Oviedo made one start against the Blue Jays in 2022, throwing three innings in a 4-0 home defeat on September 2.

He gave up two hits and walked three, while striking out four in the no-decision.In his last start on Sunday, Oviedo took the loss on the road against the Nationals. He threw 2.1 innings and gave up seven runs on nine hits, striking out one and walking two in the 7-2 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Toronto has averaged 4.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.7. Against right-handed pitchers like Oviedo this season, the Jays have a .731 OPS. Matt Chapman is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .925 OPS in 86 at-bats.

Pittsburgh is averaging only 1.2 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.8 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.167/.244/.256). The Bucs have a .739 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a 1.063 OPS over 87 at-bats, Reynolds has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Toronto is 10-11 away from Rogers Centre in 2023, scoring 4.6 runs per game while allowing 5.4 runs. Pittsburgh has gone 9-5 at PNC Park this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. In the last 10 meetings at PNC Park, Toronto is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.5-3.2.