Free MLB Picks Today: Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays 9/25/22

Shane McClanahan, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays (+150) as they face off against the Toronto Blue Jays (-180) at Tropicana Field on Sunday with the visitors eyeing a split of the four-game series. Don’t be surprised to see a pitchers’ duel with the early total at 6.5 runs (O: -110 | U: -110).The Blue Jays (85-67) won 3-1 on Saturday for their first win of the series, their eighth head-to-head victory in 18 games this season. Alek Manoah threw seven scoreless innings- striking out eight – to get the win, and Jordan Romano threw 1.1 scoreless innings to pick up his 35th save. Whit Merrifield was 2 for 3 with a home run and a double in the win. He drove in three runs. Bradley Zimmer added one run. Harold Ramirez went 1 for 1 with one RBI for the Rays (84-68).

ON THE MOUND

Ross Stripling (8-4, 3.21 ERA) is in line for the start for Toronto. The right-hander allowed five runs over four innings in his last start, an 18-11 home win over the Phillies on Tuesday. He yielded nine hits while striking out three in the no-decision. Over two previous starts against the Rays this season, Stripling has allowed four earned runs over 11 innings (1-1, 3.27). He has struck out seven and walked two. Southpaw McClanahan (12-6, 2.36 ERA) gets the start for Tampa Bay. He has made two appearances against the Blue Jays this season, both as the starter, giving up one run over 12 innings (2-0, 0.75) with 15 strikeouts and two walks. In his last start on Tuesday, McClanahan took the loss at home against the Astros. He threw four innings and gave up five runs on five hits, striking out three and walking four in the 5-0 defeat. The left-hander ranks fourth in the AL in ERA.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Toronto has averaged 7.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.7, while performing better across the board (.271/.347/.481). Against left-handed pitchers like McClanahan this season, the Jays have a .743 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 4.6 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.2 for the season. The Rays have a .689 OPS against righties 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 42-35 away from home in 2022, scoring 5.1 runs per game while allowing 4.1 runs. Tampa Bay has gone 51-29 at home this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 3.4. Tampa Bay is 6-4 in the last 10 games between the AL East rivals at Tropicana Field with an average scoreline of 4.3-3.1.

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 first. The Rays are third in the AL East, nine games behind the Yankees. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting second.