R.A. Dickey (8-10, 4.26 ERA) and Matt Boyd (1-4, 7.04 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Toronto Blue Jays (71-56) and the Detroit Tigers (60-67) at the Rogers Centre. Action begins at 7:07 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 28 and can be seen on FSDT and RSN.
Dickey pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs, striking out one and walking one in a 12-5 win over the Angels. Jose Bautista (.243, 85 Rs, 30 HRs, 87 RBIs, 6 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one run and one stolen base. Boyd went 6.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out three and walking two in a 4-2 defeat to the Rangers in his last outing. J.D. Martinez (.292, 76 Rs, 34 HRs, 87 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Toronto, a big -240 favorite, takes on Detroit. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently nine runs. The Blue Jays have recorded an overall money line of +663 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 52-27. The Blue Jays have no trouble scoring as they lead the AL in offense with 5.5 runs per game. The Blue Jays are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with a phenomenal 8.9 per game. Toronto is one of the best in the AL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.4 per game. Crossing over to the pitching staff, the Blue Jays are the top team in the AL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.5 walks per game so far this season.
As for their opponent, Detroit is coming in with an overall money line of -739 and a disappointing record of 26-39 as the underdog. The Tigers are tough outs for opponents, leading the AL with 9.6 hits per game.
The Tigers lead the season series, 2-1. The Blue Jays have an 18-12 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Boyd takes the mound. Dickey (RHP) will be on the hill against the Tigers, who have a 42-53 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tor, O/U – Over
Notes
Having scored one run in their last game, the Blue Jays are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Tigers have a 25-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 7-45. The Blue Jays have a 12-45 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 12th in home runs, Detroit has hit 129 this season. Toronto ranks second with 173 home runs.
Detroit tops the league in hits with 9.56 per game this season. Toronto ranks in the top five at fourth with 8.90.
Toronto ranks at the top of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage of .781. Detroit ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .764.
When the Tigers allow at least one home run, they are 29-52. When the Blue Jays allow one or more homers, they have a 41-40 record.
