The evening’s game in Toronto pits two pitchers whose performances improve as the season progresses. Jacob Faria’s 2016 true-slash line reads .217/.294/.334 (AVE/OBP/SLG) while Marcus Stroman reads .260/.319/.373. Of particular note for Stroman is that in his last 6 starts his metrics report 3.4/.22/85.6% (FIP/HR per 9/GB+K%)
Given the Rays recent offensive woes the Rays face an uphill battle. Additionally, Stroman has averaged 7.1 innings over his last 3 starts averaging just 15.4 pitches per inning.
The Blue Jays managed only 6 hits and 1 run off Faria over 6.1 innings in early June of this year. Faria struck out 8 and walked 1 in that earlier meeting.
What we like most about Faria is that his assortment of pitches are the pitches the Blue Jays have struggled with this year. Faria’s slider (thrown 23.4% of the time) has a pitch value of 1.38 while the Jays batting value is -.96; Faria’s change (17.5% usage) has a pitch value of .69 while the Blue Jays batting value is -.02. And the fastball? Faria scores a pitch value of .30 and the Jays a batting value of .12.
This game is pivotal as the American League Wild Card race grows closer and closer so we expect the Rays' manager to be quick, if necessary, to go to his well-rested bull pen and Roberto Osuna is ready for the Jays after only throwing 13 pitches over the last 4 days.
We recommend you evaluate the under 8.5 as you prepare your card for tonight. You can see our extensive data for free today at matchupcenter.com for this game. Just click on the free decision dashboard and take a few minutes to help you with your evaluation.