Bryce Elder, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, leads the Atlanta Braves (25-13) into Rogers Centre on Saturday as they face off against the Toronto Blue Jays (22-16).
The Blue Jays took Friday’s series opener 3-0, their seventh straight head-to-head victory. Chris Bassitt threw a complete game shutout. He scattered only two hits, striking out eight and walking two en route to the win.
Daulton Varsho went 1 for 4 with a solo home run in the win. Eddie Rosario was 1 for 3 with a double for the Braves, stretching his on-base streak to 15 games.
ON THE MOUND
Elder (3-0, 1.74 ERA) is slated to get the start for Atlanta. The right-hander ranks second in the NL in ERA. Elder allowed one run over 5.1 innings in his last start, a 3-2 road win over the Orioles on Sunday.
He scattered four hits while striking out four and walking four in the no-decision.Right-hander Jose Berrios (3-3, 4.91 ERA) will toe the rubber for Toronto.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Braves. In his last start on May 6, Berrios got the win on the road against the Pirates. He threw 6.1 innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out seven and walking one in the 8-2 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Atlanta has averaged only 3.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 5.2, while performing worse across the board (.212/.278/.358). Against righties like Berrios this season, the Braves have a .735 OPS.
Ronald Acuna Jr. is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a 1.029 OPS in 108 at-bats. Toronto is averaging 5.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.8 for the season.
The Jays have a .745 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .908 OPS over 114 at-bats, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Atlanta is 15-4 away from Truist Park in 2023, scoring 5.7 runs per game while allowing 2.7 runs. Toronto has gone 10-3 at home this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 2.8. In the last 10 meetings at Rogers Centre, Atlanta is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 6.2-4.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Braves lead the NL East by six games over the Phillies. The Blue Jays are third in the AL East, seven games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Atlanta Braves (+105)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
