The Texas Rangers (42-27) host the Toronto Blue Jays (39-32) at Globe Life Field on Saturday. The Blue Jays took Friday’s series opener 2-1. Kevin Gausman got the win, giving up one run on four hits over six innings, and Jordan Romano threw 1.1 scoreless innings to earn his 20th save. Danny Jansen was 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Leody Taveras went 1 for 3 with a solo home run for the Rangers.
ON THE MOUND
Righty Dane Dunning (5-1, 2.91 ERA) is on the mound for Texas. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Blue Jays. Dunning made two appearances against the Blue Jays in 2022, both starts, striking out nine and walking four over 10.2 innings (0-0, 5.06).
In his last start on Monday, Dunning took a no-decision at home against the Angels. He threw five innings and gave up four runs (3 ER) on six hits, striking out three and walking five in the 9-6 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Toronto has averaged 4.0 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.5. Against righties like Dunning this season, the Jays have a .766 OPS.
Brandon Belt is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .852 OPS in 139 at-bats. Texas is averaging only 3.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 6.1 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.227/.306/.405).
HOME AND AWAY
Toronto is 20-19 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.8 runs per game while allowing 4.6 runs. Texas has gone 22-13 at home this season, averaging 6.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.2. In seven games at Globe Life Field between the teams, Toronto is 4-3 with an average scoreline of 4.1-3.7.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Blue Jays are fourth in the AL East, 11 games behind the division-leading Rays. The Rangers lead the AL West by three games over the Astros.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays (+105)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
