Expert Picks
Hit two of four yesterday but underwater because the two I was quite sure would win (at sadly -190) didn't and the shorter favorites did. Ah, August baseball. So I'm gonna take it easy as I prep for football. Which I will win. (RJ, Larry, Coach!) The Jays shockingly did squat on Friday but I still believe in them. There are going to be weird results for the next few weeks. Then the teams that care will kick into gear. I'll take my chances on Toronto so cheaply here.
The Blue Jays have now lost three games in a row and five of their last six games while the Guardians are on fire having won six games in a row. Both these teams are very streaky, but the Guardians have the starting pitching edge again and they didn’t have to use their bullpen in the blowout yesterday. Triston McKenzie has a 1.70 ERA in his last seven starts, and that includes two starts in that span where he allowed four earned runs, so when he’s on, he’s on. Mitch White is making his second start for the Blue Jays and first in Toronto. He has been solid but shouldn’t get deep into the game. These two bullpens are ranked first and third in the league since the All-Star break so whoever gets the lead should win the game, and in that case I am riding with the underdog and the better starting pitcher.
Cleveland has won six straight and holds a 1.5-game lead in the AL Central. It’s been a run dominated by its starters and relievers, who have allowed just eight runs combined over the streak. The bats came out early on Friday too in an 8-0 win. The Blue Jays look flat, aloof, just waiting for the three-run homer. The biggest reason besides the streak to follow Cleveland again today is Triston McKenzie, who comes off a 1-0 win against Houston. He’s allowed one run or fewer in five of his last seven starts. Cleveland to win.