Hot-hitting Alex Bregman will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Houston Astros (35-24) face off against the Toronto Blue Jays (33-27) at Rogers Centre on Monday for the first of a four-game series.
The Astros are playing their first of seven games on the road after wrapping up a seven-game homestand (4-3). They won three out of four in their last series against the Angels, dropping the finale 2-1 on Sunday at Minute Maid Park.
Yainer Diaz was 2 for 4 with a solo home run and a double. The Blue Jays are returning home for a seven-game homestand. They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Mets, taking the finale 6-4 on Sunday at Citi Field for their fourth straight win. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs. Whit Merrifield added a double and two RBIs.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Astros have won two of three in the season series between the teams, including an 8-1 victory in their most recent meeting on April 19 at Minute Maid Park. Starter Luis Garcia threw seven scoreless innings – striking out nine – for the win.
ON THE MOUND
Brandon Bielak (2-2, 3.19 ERA) is set to take the mound for Houston. The righty allowed one run over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 5-1 home win over the Twins on Tuesday. He earned the win, giving up three hits while striking out six and walking three.
For Toronto, right-hander Alek Manoah (1-6, 5.46 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros. Manoah made one start against the Astros in 2022, throwing six innings in a 3-2 road win on April 23.
He gave up seven hits while striking out five in the win.In his last start on Wednesday, Manoah took the loss at home against the Brewers. He threw four innings and gave up two runs on three hits, striking out two and walking three in the 4-2 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
The Houston offense is averaging 4.5 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .248/.319/.398. Yordan Alvarez leads the team in OPS at .969.
The left fielder is slashing .278/.391/.578 with 15 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 38 runs over 53 games. Against right-handed pitchers like Manoah this season, the ‘Stros have a .706 OPS.
Alvarez also is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .954 OPS in 116 at-bats. Toronto is slashing .266/.333/.421 for the season and averaging 4.7 runs per game.
Bo Bichette leads the team with a .900 OPS. The shortstop has 12 home runs, 39 RBIs, and 34 runs scored with a slash line of .336/.371/.530.
Toronto is averaging only 3.2 runs per game in the last five with their on-base percentage slipping to .319. The Jays have a .766 OPS against right-handers in 2023, fourth highest in the league. With a .874 OPS over 123 at-bats, Kevin Kiermaier has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is on a three-game winning streak on the road, bringing their record to 17-10 in 2023. The ‘Stros have scored 4.6 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.3 runs.
Toronto has gone 15-10 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 3.5. Houston is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at Rogers Centre with an average scoreline of 5.6-3.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros are second in the AL West, two games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Blue Jays are fourth in the AL East, eight games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays (-120)
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