The Toronto Blue Jays (8-4, 2-0 home) look to sweep the Detroit Tigers (2-9, 2-6 away) in the conclusion of a three-game series. Toronto opened with a pair of victories to begin the series, winning 9-3 in the opener and 4-3 in the second contest.
Thursday’s matchup begins at 7:07 p.m. EST inside the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Toronto is the betting favorite (-240 moneyline) and the over/under total is nine runs.
What to Know – Detroit Tigers
The Tigers have faced a tough start to the season as the franchise continues to rebuild their roster. Detroit has lost six-straight and have been swept twice already this year.
Right-hander Spencer Turnbull (0-2, 13.50 ERA, 2.25 WHIP) takes the ball for the Tigers looking to help Detroit get back into the win column and notch his first win of 2023. The 30-year old has thrown 8.0 innings, allowing 12 earned runs on 13 hits, five walks, and four strikeouts. Turnbull, who tossed a no-hitter back in 2021, is under two years removed from Tommy John surgery.
Detroit has failed to get the offense rolling, sitting last in the MLB is team batting average (.198) and runs scored (39). The Tigers are averaging only three runs per game and have failed to top that number in eight of 11 games.
Nick Maton has hit two of Detroit’s eight home runs, driving in six runs batted in. Spencer Torkelson is tied with Maton with six RBIs and is averaging .238 at the dish.
What to Know – Toronto Blue Jays
After a 1-3 start to begin the season, Toronto has come out on the winning end in seven of its last eight games. The Blue Jays are tied with the New York Yankees for second place in the AL East.
Toronto will counter on the mound with Chris Bassitt (1-1, 10.61 ERA, 1.82 WHIP). The 34-year old had a horrendous season debut, but bounced back in his last start to earn his first win. The right-hander has surrendered 11 earned runs over 9.1 innings, scattering 12 hits, walking five, and striking out five batters.
The Blue Jays lead the majors with a .289 team batting average and score 5.6 runs per game. Toronto’s bats have heated up over the last week, averaging 8.3 runs over the last three contests.
Matt Chapman is off to a career-best at the dish, hitting .489 (23-of-47) with three home runs and 15 RBIs. Chapman is second in the league in batting average and third in RBI total. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.417 avg) and Bo Bichette (4 HRs, 9 RBIs) are also off to hot starts at the plate.
The Pick is In
Two teams at different points in their franchise cycle. The Tigers are in rebuild mode while the Blue Jays are equipped for a deep playoff run. Bassitt’s rebound last week is encouraging, and the bats for Toronto are heating up. The Blue Jays roll in the series finale and hand Detriot another series sweep.
The Pick: Toronto Blue Jays -1.5
