Free MLB Picks Today: Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays 9/23/22

The Tampa Bay Rays (83-67) host the Toronto Blue Jays (84-66) at Tropicana Field on Friday. The Rays took Thursday’s series opener 10-5, their ninth head-to-head victory in 16 games this season. Reliever Ryan Yarbrough was credited with the win after throwing one inning. Randy Arozarena went 3 for 4 with two doubles, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Jonathan Aranda added a home run and three runs. Whit Merrifield was 2 for 4 with two home runs and three RBIs for the Blue Jays. George Springer added a triple and one run.

ON THE MOUND

Mitch White (1-6, 5.05 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Toronto. The RHP allowed three runs in six innings of relief in his last appearance, a 4-2 home defeat against the Rays on September 13. He yielded seven hits while striking out two. For Tampa Bay, left-hander Jeffrey Springs (9-4, 2.45 ERA) takes the mound. He has made two appearances against the Blue Jays this season, both starts, holding opposing hitters scoreless over 10.2 innings (1-0, 0.00) with seven strikeouts and two walks. In his last start on Sunday, Springs got the win at home against the Rangers. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up three runs (2 ER) on six hits, striking out six, in the 5-3 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Toronto has averaged 7.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.7, while slashing better across the board (.282/.360/.503). Against southpaws like Springs this season, the Jays have a .739 OPS. Santiago Espinal is the team’s most productive hitter against left-handers with a .826 OPS in 113 at-bats. Tampa Bay is averaging only 3.4 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.2 for the season. The Rays have a .688 OPS against righties in 2022. With ann .805 OPS over 342 at-bats, Yandy Diaz has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Toronto is 41-34 away from home in 2022, scoring 5.1 runs per game while allowing 4.1 runs. Tampa Bay has gone 50-28 at their home park this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 3.4. In the last 10 games at Tropicana Field between the AL East rivals, Tampa Bay is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 3.9-2.9.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Blue Jays are second in the AL East, seven games behind the division-leading Yankees. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting first. The Rays are third in the AL East, eight games behind the Yankees. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting second.