Free MLB Picks Today: Los Angeles Angels vs Toronto Blue Jays 8/28/22

Hot-hitting George Springer will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Toronto Blue Jays (68-57) host the Los Angeles Angels (54-73) at Rogers Centre on Sunday with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the three-game series. The Angels lead the series 2-0 after winning 2-0 on Saturday, their second head-to-head victory in six games this season. Shohei Ohtani threw seven scoreless innings- striking out nine – for the win, and Jimmy Herget threw two scoreless innings to earn his third save. David Fletcher was 3 for 5 with one run in the win. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 1 for 4 with a double for the Blue Jays.

ON THE MOUND

Tucker Davidson (2-4, 6.23 ERA) is in line for the start for Los Angeles. The LHP allowed two runs over five innings in his last start, a 2-1 road defeat against the Rays on Monday. He was charged with the loss, giving up six hits while striking out two and walking three. Right-hander Ross Stripling (6-3, 2.84 ERA) gets the start for Toronto. He has made two appearances against the Angels this season, both in relief, giving up one run over two innings (0-0, 4.50) with three strikeouts and one walk. In his last start on Tuesday, Stripling got the win on the road against the Red Sox. He threw six innings and gave up one run on six hits, striking out six and walking one in the 9-3 victory.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Los Angeles has averaged 4.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 3.8. Against righties like Stripling this season, the Halos have a .689 OPS. Ohtani is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .935 OPS in 290 at-bats. Toronto is averaging only 3.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.7 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.242/.317/.341). The Jays have a .743 OPS against southpaws in 2022. With a .886 OPS over 97 at-bats, Santiago Espinal has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Los Angeles is 28-37 in away games in 2022, scoring 3.5 runs per game while allowing 4.0 runs. Toronto has gone 36-27 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.5. In the last 10 meetings at Rogers Centre, Los Angeles is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 6.9-4.0.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Angels are fourth in the AL West, 27 games behind the division-leading Astros. The Blue Jays are third in the AL East, nine games behind the Yankees.