The Toronto Blue Jays claimed a thrilling victory in the World Series opener and will turn to Kevin Gausman on the mound to face Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 2 at Rogers Centre on Saturday, October 25.
My top Dodgers vs. Blue Jays predictions and MLB picks anticipate a high-scoring affair as I break down why with our Game 2 same-game parlay.
Our best Dodgers vs Blue Jays SGP for Game 2
For Toronto Blue Jays veteran Kevin Gausman, the postseason has so far been a study in effectiveness, though one that may be masking underlying risk.
Across four playoff appearances, he’s posted a 3.59 ERA, showing poise on the mound in high-pressure situations. However, a closer look at his peripherals suggests that his results have been somewhat buoyed by luck.
His .167 BABIP indicates that opposing hitters have been unusually ineffective in putting the ball in play, while a strand rate of 92.6% is far above what is typically sustainable.
Moreover, Gausman’s 5.19 xFIP points to the likelihood of tougher outings ahead, as it strips away the luck factor and focuses on the quality of contact allowed.
Compounding the challenge, neither team’s bullpen has been particularly sharp in this postseason. L.A.'s relievers carry the second-highest ERA among playoff teams, while Toronto’s bullpen ranks fourth, meaning that late-inning relief work could swing games.
The matchup further favors the Dodgers, at least in familiarity. The Los Angeles Dodgers lineup includes seven hitters who have faced Gausman at least ten times, giving them a clear book on his tendencies.
By contrast, only two Blue Jays have seen Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and collectively they have just four plate appearances against him, giving Toronto less data to exploit.
On the offensive side, Toronto superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to shine. He has dominated this postseason with a .565 wOBA and a .447 ISO, and he has cashed the Over in this particular market in eight of 12 playoff games, making him a key factor in Toronto’s hopes moving forward.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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