Hot-hitting Daulton Varsho will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Toronto Blue Jays (+125) host the Houston Astros (-145) at Rogers Centre on Wednesday. The early total has been set at 9 with the over a -120 favorite.
The Blue Jays (34-28) evened up the series 1-1 after winning 5-1 on Tuesday, their second head-to-head victory in five games this season. Starter Kevin Gausman got the win, allowing one run on four hits over seven innings and striking out 13.
George Springer went 1 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Mauricio Dubon was 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Astros (36-25).
ON THE MOUND
Ronel Blanco (1-0, 4.50 ERA) is in line for the start for Houston. The righty allowed two runs over 5.1 innings in his last start, a 5-2 road win over the Angels on Thursday. He was credited with the win, scattering seven hits while striking out five and walking three.
Blanco is making his first appearance against the Blue Jays this season. Blanco made one appearance against the Blue Jays in 2022, an 8-7 home victory on April 24. He held Toronto scoreless over 0.2 no-hit innings. Righty Chris Bassitt (6-4, 3.41 ERA) will toe the rubber for Toronto.
He has made one prior start against the Astros this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over 6.1 innings in a 4-2 road win on April 18. He gave up three hits and walked one, while striking out five in the win.
In his last start on Friday, Bassitt got the win on the road against the Mets. He threw 7.2 scoreless innings and gave up three hits, striking out eight, in the 3-0 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 5.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.6, while slashing better across the board (.293/.349/.506).
Against righties like Bassitt this season, the ‘Stros have a .708 OPS. Yordan Alvarez is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .945 OPS in 126 at-bats.
Toronto is averaging only 4.0 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.7 for the season. The Jays have a .771 OPS against right-handers in 2023, fourth highest in MLB. With a .403 OBP over 127 at-bats, Brandon Belt has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is 18-11 away from Minute Maid Park in 2023, scoring 4.7 runs per game while allowing 3.4 runs. Toronto has gone 16-11 at home this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 3.7. The teams have split their last 10 meetings head-to-head at Rogers Centre, though Houston has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.4-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros are second in the AL West, four games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Blue Jays are fourth in the AL East, nine games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays (-155)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
