Free MLB Picks Today: Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays 9/15/22

Shane McClanahan, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, leads the Tampa Bay Rays (-180) into Rogers Centre on Thursday as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays (+150). The early total has been set at 7.5 runs (O: +100 | U: -120). The Blue Jays (81-62) lead the series 3-1 after winning 5-1 on Wednesday, their seventh head-to-head victory in 14 games this season. Ross Stripling went 6.1 innings to get the win, allowing one run on three hits. Danny Jansen went 2 for 3 with two doubles and two runs in the win. Santiago Espinal went 3 for 3 with one run and one RBI. Harold Ramirez was 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Rays (79-63).

ON THE MOUND

McClanahan (11-5, 2.20 ERA) is set for the start for Tampa Bay. The left-hander ranks third in the AL in ERA and fifth in strikeouts (182). McClanahan threw zero no-hit innings in his last start, a 7-2 road win over the Marlins on August 30. He had no strikeouts and no walks in the no-decision. McClanahan has made one previous start against the Blue Jays this season, a 6-2 road victory on July 2. He surrendered one run on three hits over seven innings, striking out 10 and walking one. For Toronto, righty Kevin Gausman (12-9, 3.12 ERA) takes the mound. He has made three appearances against the Rays this season, all starts, giving up four runs (3 ER) over 17 innings (1-1, 1.59) with 21 strikeouts and three walks. In his last start on Saturday, Gausman got the win on the road against the Rangers. He threw 5.1 innings and gave up five runs on eight hits, striking out nine and walking one in the 11-7 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Tampa Bay has averaged only 2.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.2, while slashing worse across the board (.231/.270/.320). Against righties like Gausman this season, the Rays have a .686 OPS. Yandy Diaz is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .801 OPS in 329 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 dropping across the board (.250/.306/.369). The Jays have a .744 OPS against southpaws in 2022. With a .821 OPS over 109 at-bats, Espinal has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Tampa Bay is 32-39 on the road in 2022, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Toronto has gone 41-30 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In the last 10 meetings at Rogers Centre, Toronto is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.6-3.9.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Rays are third in the AL East, seven games behind the division-leading Yankees. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting third with a magic number of zero. The Blue Jays are second in the AL East, six games behind the Yankees. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting first.