Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays 5/13/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Toronto Blue Jays open a three-game series on the road Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Toronto dropped to 17-15 following its 5-3 loss to the New York Yankees on Wednesday. Toronto was swept in a short two-game series by the Yankees and the Blue Jays have lost four straight and seven of the last nine. Toronto is third in the American League East, six games behind the first-place Yankees.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr is batting .286 to lead Toronto and the first baseman has team highs in RBIs with 19 and on-base percentage at .364. Center fielder George Springer is the leader in home runs seven and shortstop Bo Bichette is the leader in hits with 34. On Friday, Toronto will send Kevin Gausman to the mound. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 2.13 ERA, 46 Ks and 1 BBs.

Tampa Bay improved to 19-13 following its 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. With the victory on Wednesday, Tampa Bay avoided being swept in its series by Los Angeles after losing each of the first two games. Tampa Bay has won seven of its last 10 and the Rays are second in the AL East, four games behind the first place New York Yankees.

Wander Franco is batting .304 to lead Tampa Bay and the shortstop has a team-high 38 hits. Second baseman Brandon Lowe is the leader in home runs with five, while right fielder Manuel Margot is the leader in RBIs with 20 and first baseman Yandy Diaz is the leader in on-base percentage at .391. On Friday, Tampa Bay will send Drew Rasmussen to the mound. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 2.89 ERA, 26 Ks and 7 BBs.