The Chicago White Sox (73-54, 31-31 away) and the Toronto Blue Jays continue a four-game American League series with game three on Wednesday night. The two opponents split the first two games of the series, with Toronto winning the opener, 2-1, and the White Sox taking Tuesday’s matchup, 5-2.
Wednesday’s contest begins at 7:05 p.m. EST inside the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. According to oddsmakers, the Blue Jays (-120) are the betting favorite, and the total run over/under is at 8.5.
What to Know – Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox were on a three-game losing skid until snapping the streak Tuesday night. The White Sox are in the driver’s seat in the American League Central, with a double-digit lead over the Cleveland Indians.
Taking the mound for the White Sox is right-hander Lucas Giolito (9-9, 3.77 ERA, 1.10 WHIP). The 27-year old has had a solid season on the bump marred by a handful of rough outings. Giolito fired 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering two earned runs on three hits with no walks and eight strikeouts.
The White Sox are equipped with one of the best offenses in the major leagues, ranking fifth in on-base percentage (.331) and 12th in slugging percentage (.416). First baseman Jose Abreu leads the White Sox in home runs (26) and runs battered in (96). Since returning to the lineup toward the end of July, outfielder Eloy Jimenez is hitting .302 with six home runs and 24 RBIs.
What to Know – Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays continue to hold on to playoff hopes as the calendar nears the end of August. Toronto sits five games outside of the second Wild Card spot in the American League with six weeks of the regular season remaining. The White Sox are a near-lock for postseason play.
The expected starter for the hosts is Robbie Ray (9-5, 2.79 ERA, 1.03 WHIP). The left-hander has been on fire the last two months, dropping his earned run average under three. Ray was sensational against the Detroit Tigers in his previous start, throwing 8.0 innings, allowing one earned run on five hits, no walks, and 11 strikeouts.
Toronto’s offense ranks seventh in the MLB in on-base percentage (.327) and first in the league in slugging percentage (.454). The offense revolves around designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who’s blasted 36 home runs and driven in 90 runs. Shortstop Marcus Semien is on pace for career numbers at the plate with 30 dingers and 73 RBIs.
The Pick is In
Wednesday’s matchup features a pair of starting pitchers that are firing on all cylinders. Both arms will need to be in peak form against these offenses to continue their recent success on the mound.
Toronto needs to step it up if they want to get back in the playoff race, but we will fade the favorites here and ride Giolito and the visiting White Sox at plus money.
The Pick: Chicago White Sox +110
