Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be looking to extend his 21-game on-base streak as the Toronto Blue Jays (25-18) host the New York Yankees (25-20) at Rogers Centre on Thursday with the home team looking to split the four-game series.
The Blue Jays won 3-0 in 10 innings on Wednesday for their first win of the series, their third head-to-head victory in six games this season. Reliever Jordan Romano threw two scoreless innings to get the win.Danny Jansen went 1 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs in the win. Aaron Judge was 1 for 3 for the Yankees.
ON THE MOUND
Nestor Cortes (3-2, 5.53 ERA) is slated to get the start for New York. The LHP allowed six runs over 4.1 innings in his last start, a 9-8 home win over the Rays on Saturday. He scattered seven hits while striking out three and walking two in the no-decision.
Cortes is making his first appearance against the Blue Jays this season. Over three starts against the Blue Jays in 2022, Cortes was 0-1 with a 1.88 ERA over 14.1 innings. He had 13 strikeouts and five walks. For Toronto, right-hander Jose Berrios (3-3, 4.70 ERA) takes the mound.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Yankees. Berrios made four appearances against the Yankees in 2022, all starts, striking out 25 and walking seven over 22.1 innings (1-2, 5.64).
In his last start on Saturday, Berrios took a no-decision at home against the Braves. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up two runs on six hits, striking out three and walking three in the 5-2 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, New York has averaged 5.8 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.6, while performing better across the board (.246/.348/.468). Against right-handed pitchers like Berrios this season, the Yanks have a .716 OPS.
Judge is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a 1.046 OPS in 98 at-bats. Toronto is averaging only 4.2 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.7 for the season.
The Jays have a .748 OPS against southpaws in 2023. With a 1.387 OPS over 32 at-bats, Matt Chapman has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is 9-10 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. Toronto has gone 13-5 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.1. In the last 10 meetings at Rogers Centre, New York is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 5.4-3.3.
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.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays (-140)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
