Blue Jays vs Giants Picks and Prediction – 7/10/2024

The Toronto Blue Jays face off against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on July 9 at 9:45 PM ET. Toronto, with a 41-49 record, sends Yusei Kikuchi (4-8, 4.12 ERA) to the mound, while San Francisco, holding a 44-47 record, counters with Blake Snell (0-3, 9.51 ERA). Elevate your MLB game with our top-notch MLB picks.

Toronto's season has been a struggle, as evidenced by a 5th place standing in the AL East. The Blue Jays' offense has been inconsistent, ranking 20th in batting average at .235 and 24th in runs scored with 359. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads the team with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs, but the overall offensive output has been underwhelming. The Blue Jays' lineup has potential, but key injuries have hampered overall performance. 

Third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa and pitchers Yimi García and Jordan Romano are currently sidelined, affecting both offense and bullpen depth. On the mound, Toronto's pitching staff has a 4.33 ERA (22nd in MLB) and has allowed a league-worst 122 home runs. Yusei Kikuchi, starting in this game, has a 1.34 WHIP and solid strikeout rate.

San Francisco, sitting 4th in the NL West, has shown flashes of potential but has been hindered by inconsistency. Offensively, the Giants are ranked 14th in both batting average (.244) and runs scored (402). Matt Chapman is a key contributor with 42 RBIs and 12 home runs, though the team has lacked significant power, ranking 19th in home runs with 90. Injuries have also taken a toll, with key players like Thairo Estrada, Wilmer Flores, and Keaton Winn currently on the injured list. 

Pitching has also been an issue for the Giants, with a team ERA of 4.44 (25th in MLB) and a WHIP of 1.36 (26th). Blake Snell's season has been particularly tough, sporting a 9.51 ERA. Despite his struggles, Snell has shown the ability to dominate in the past, and the Giants hope he can find his form in this crucial matchup. The Giants' bullpen, while not spectacular, has been slightly more reliable than Toronto's, which could play a role in the later innings.