Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays 8/2/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Toronto Blue Jays open a short two-game series on the road Tuesday against American League East rival the Tampa Bay Rays. Toronto is 57-45 following its 4-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. Matt Chapman helped lead Toronto to the win with a two-run home run. The Blue Jays have won 10 of the last 12 and are second in the American League East, 11 ½ games behind the first-place New York Yankees.

Alejandro Kirk is batting .311 to lead Tampa Bay and the catcher has a team high .388 on-base percentage. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr has 21 home runs, 63 RBIs and 109 hits to lead Toronto in each. On Tuesday, the Toronto Blue Jays will send Kevin Gausman to the mound. The right-hander is 7-8 with a 3.30 ERA, 122 Ks and 19 BBs.

Tampa Bay is 54-48 following its 5-3 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. Tampa Bay has lost three out of the last four. The Rays are below average at the plate with a team batting average of .240 which is 19th, but are strong on the mound with a team ERA of 3.45 which is fourth. Tampa Bay is third in the American League East, 14 ½ games behind the first place New York Yankees.

Yandy Diaz is batting .228 to lead Tampa Bay and the third baseman has a team-high .397 on-base percentage. Second baseman Isaac Paredes is the leader in home runs with 14, while left fielder Randy Arozarena is the leader in RBIs with 47 and hits with 95. On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Rays will send Drew Rasmussen to the mound. The right-hander is 6-3 with a 3.17 ERA, 70 Ks and 23 BBs.