Alek Manoah, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays (-245) as they face off against the Tampa Bay Rays (+195) at Tropicana Field on Saturday. Don’t be surprised to see a low-scoring affair with the early total at 6.5 runs (O: -115 | U: -105). The Rays (84-67) lead the series 2-0 after winning 10-6 on Friday, their 10th head-to-head victory in 17 games this season. Javy Guerra got the win with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Randy Arozarena went 2 for 5 with a home run and six RBIs in the win. Bo Bichette was 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI for the Blue Jays (84-67).
ON THE MOUND
Manoah (14-7, 2.40 ERA) is set to get the start for Toronto. The RHP is tied for third in the AL in wins and fourth in ERA. Manoah allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 5-4 home defeat against the Orioles on Sunday. He gave up four hits while striking out five and walking four in the no-decision. Over two previous starts against the Rays this season, Manoah has allowed only three earned runs over 12.2 innings (0-1, 2.13). He has struck out nine and walked two. Right-hander Drew Rasmussen (10-6, 2.92 ERA) will take the mound for Tampa Bay. He has made four appearances against the Blue Jays this season, all as the starter, giving up eight runs (7 ER) over 20.1 innings (0-2, 3.10) with seven strikeouts and six walks. In his last start on Monday, Rasmussen took the loss at home against the Astros. He threw six innings and gave up four runs on six hits, striking out three and walking one in the 4-0 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Toronto has averaged 7.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.8, while performing better across the board (.273/.361/.497). Against right-handed pitchers like Rasmussen this season, the Jays have a .761 OPS, second highest in the league. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with ann .846 OPS in 492 at-bats. Tampa Bay is averaging 4.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.2 for the season. The Rays have a .690 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .805 OPS over 342 at-bats, Yandy Diaz has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Toronto is on a three-game losing streak away from Rogers Centre, bringing their record to 41-35 in 2022. The Jays have scored 5.2 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.1 runs. Tampa Bay has gone 51-28 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 3.4. Tampa Bay is 7-3 in the last 10 games at Tropicana Field between the AL East rivals with an average scoreline of 4.8-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Blue Jays are second in the AL East, eight games behind the division-leading Yankees. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting second. The Rays are second in the AL East, eight games behind the Yankees. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting first.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays (-105)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
