Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox 8/25/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Toronto Blue Jays will close out a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Boston has won four last five games and moved to 60-63 after beating the Blue Jays in the series opener. The Blue Jays are still in contention for a playoff spot, they trail the Yankees by 8.5 games in the AL East but are currently in the second wild-card spot at 65-55 on the year.

Toronto is one of the league's better offenses, scoring 4.74 runs per game, ranking sixth in the MLB in scoring offense. First baseman Vlad Guerrero Jr. has anchored the lineup, leading the team with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs while hitting .283 this season. This is a young and dangerous lineup that is on track to be a contender for a long time.

The right-handed Kevin Gausman will get the start for the Blue Jays, he’s 9-9 this season but has an impressive 2.99 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. Gausman is coming off maybe his best start of the year, he pitched 7 scoreless allowing four hits and striking out seven against the Yankees, who are one of the best in baseball.

The Red Sox are 12th in the league in scoring offense and at 6.5 games back of the wild card, are likely upset they didn’t make more aggressive moves at the deadline. Third baseman Rafael Devers leads the team in all three major categories batting .300 with 25 home runs and 64 RBIs. Devers is scheduled to be a free agent this offseason and could walk with Boston getting nothing in return. 

Right-hander Kutter Crawford will get the start for the Red Sox in what has been an up-and-down rookie season. Crawford was shelled in his last outing allowing nine runs on eleven hits, including three home runs, and the Orioles beat the Red Sox 15-10. Opponents have hit .256 against Crawford this saeson, and he’s allowed 11 home runs in 68 innings.