Free MLB Picks Today: Toronto Blue Jays vs Chicago White Sox 4/25/23

Hot-hitting Whit Merrifield will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Toronto Blue Jays (14-9) host the Chicago White Sox (7-16) at Rogers Centre on Tuesday.

The Blue Jays took Monday’s series opener 5-2. Chris Bassitt got the win, giving up two runs on three hits over 6.1 innings, and Jordan Romano picked up his eighth save with a scoreless ninth.

Merrifield went 1 for 2 with a double, one run, and one RBI, walking twice, in the win. Cavan Biggio added a home run and three RBIs. Andrew Benintendi was 2 for 3 with one run for the White Sox.

ON THE MOUND

Mike Clevinger (2-1, 3.26 ERA) is set to start for Chicago. The RHP allowed three runs over three innings in his last start, a 5-2 road defeat against the Phillies on Wednesday. He took the loss, scattering six hits while striking out one and walking one.

For Toronto, RHP Jose Berrios (1-3, 6.23 ERA) is on the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the White Sox. Berrios made one start against the White Sox in 2022, throwing four innings in an 8-7 road defeat on June 20.

He gave up nine hits and walked one, while striking out one in the loss. In his last start on Wednesday, Berrios took the loss on the road against the Astros. He threw seven innings and gave up two runs on three hits, striking out three and walking one in the 8-1 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged only 3.0 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.2, while performing worse across the board (.165/.239/.299). Against right-handed pitchers like Berrios this season, the Sox have a .675 OPS.

Yoan Moncada has been the team’s most powerful hitter against right-handers with a .606 slugging percentage in 51 at-bats. Toronto is averaging only 3.8 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.6 for the season. The Jays have a .747 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .997 OPS over 58 at-bats, Matt Chapman has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Chicago is on a six-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 4-10 in 2023. The Sox have scored 4.1 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.8 runs.

Toronto has gone 5-2 at Rogers Centre this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 3.4. In the last 10 games between the teams at Rogers Centre, Toronto is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.3-4.2.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, six games behind the division-leading Twins. The Blue Jays are third in the AL East, six games behind the Rays.