Free MLB Picks Today: Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees 5/15/23

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be looking to extend his 19-game on-base streak as the Toronto Blue Jays (24-16) host the New York Yankees (23-19) at Rogers Centre on Monday to open a four-game series.

The Yankees are playing their first of seven games on the road after wrapping up a productive seven-game homestand (5-2). They split their last series against the Rays, dropping the finale 8-7 on Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

Oswaldo Cabrera was 3 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs. Anthony Volpe added a home run and two RBIs.The Blue Jays are in the midst of a 10-game homestand.

They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Braves, taking the finale 6-5 on Sunday at Rogers Centre. George Springer went 2 for 5 with a solo home run.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Blue Jays have won two of three in the season series between the AL East rivals, including a 5-1 victory in their most recent meeting on April 23 at Yankee Stadium. Kevin Gausman threw seven scoreless innings – striking out 11 – for the win.

ON THE MOUND

Jhony Brito (2-3, 5.81 ERA) is in line for the start for New York. The righty allowed two runs over 4.1 innings in his last start, an 11-3 road win over the Athletics on Wednesday. He gave up five hits while striking out three and walking two in the no-decision.

Right-hander Alek Manoah (1-3, 4.83 ERA) gets the start for Toronto. He has made one prior start against the Yankees this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over seven innings in a 3-2 road defeat on April 22.

He gave up two hits and walked one, while striking out five in the no-decision. In his last start on Tuesday, Manoah took the loss on the road against the Phillies. He threw 4.2 innings and gave up three runs on four hits, striking out one and walking four in the 8-4 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

The New York offense is averaging 4.6 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .236/.308/.410. Anthony Rizzo leads the team in OPS at .903. The first baseman is slashing .311/.393/.510 with nine home runs, 22 RBIs, and 27 runs over 41 games.

Over the last five games, though, New York has averaged 7.0 runs a game while slashing better across the board (.274/.346/.524). Against right-handed pitchers like Manoah this season, the Yanks have a .707 OPS. Aaron Judge is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .974 OPS in 83 at-bats.

Toronto is slashing .257/.331/.413 for the season and averaging 4.8 runs per game. Matt Chapman leads the team with a .963 OPS. The third baseman has five home runs, 22 RBIs, and 21 runs scored with a slash line of .326/.410/.553.

The Jays have a .744 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .923 OPS over 116 at-bats, Guerrero Jr. has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

New York is 7-9 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 4.8 runs. Toronto has won three in a row at their home park.

The Jays are 12-3 at home this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 2.9. New York is 7-3 in the last 10 games between the teams at Rogers Centre with an average scoreline of 5.9-2.8.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Yankees are fourth in the AL East, seven games behind the division-leading Rays. The Blue Jays are third in the AL East, six games behind the Rays.