Washington Nationals (61-71) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (72-60)
Washington Nationals vs. Toronto Blue Jays 8/30/2023 – Although Washington’s offense had a good month, it performs worse away from home. It won’t matter where they play because this year’s team has the 28th-lowest walk rate and the second-fewest home runs in the league. The Nationals excel at putting the ball in play, as seen by their 2nd-best 19.0% strikeout rate and 6th-best .258 team batting average. They also have a respectable base-stealing team, ranking 13th with 98 attempts and an 80% success rate. The club’s priorities for 2024 should be increasing pop and attracting more walks.
Toronto’s offense ranks 16th in runs scored per game and is worse at home. They have the advantage of facing a lefty on Wednesday, a matchup that their disproportionately right-handed lineup frequently exploits. The Blue Jays, who rank sixth in strikeout rate, don’t strike out frequently like the Nationals. In terms of batting average and OBP, Toronto sits eighth. Blue Jays batters are dangerous even with average power stats (15th in slugging percentage). For insightful predictions, consider checking out free baseball picks.
Nationals vs. Blue Jays Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, August 30, 2023 3:07 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Rogers Centre, CAN |
| TV: | Sportsnet |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Patrick Corbin (9-11, ERA: 4.76) vs Chris Bassitt (12-7, ERA: 4.00)
Patrick Corbin has pitched exceptionally well this month, so perhaps one more victory will postpone the collapse. The left-handed pitcher tossed 23.1 innings in August and only surrendered eight runs (7 earned). In three of those four starts, Washington prevailed. He gave up six home runs in that span, indicating that the problem persists, but most were solo drives. Corbin’s arm was largely responsible for their recent success since the Nationals’ bullpen is one of the five weakest in the league in terms of WAR, FIP, and ERA this year. His greatest month overall since 2019 would be capped off by a good performance in Toronto.
Since only one team has a lower ERA than the Blue Jays, pitching was not a problem. That number might drop on Wednesday due to Chris Bassitt‘s performance history at the Rogers Centre this year. Bassitt made 13 home starts, going 6-3 with a 3.07 ERA. He lost his last three home games, so a victory would seem to be in order. The Blue Jays at least have a bullpen that ranks in the top 10 in terms of WAR, FIP, and ERA if Bassitt is out.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Toronto Blue Jays -240, Total Odds: 8.5
Patrick Corbin from Washington had his best month of the 2020s, which almost seems impossible. Because of their .275/.345/.421 batting line versus southpaws, the Blue Jays will surely ruin the fun. After all, Corbin has a 4.70 ERA, 5.24 FIP, 1.473 WHIP, and 91 ERA+ this season, making him a below-average pitcher. The Nationals will resort to a bullpen that is significantly poorer as a whole if he leaves. Toronto’s pitching staff is unquestionably among the best in the MLB.
Their starter, Chris Bassitt, was a rock at home, and their relievers can be relied upon later. That squad is playing a game they must win against a superior team. Even though Washington’s offensive isn’t bad, it will perform below average in 2023. The Blue Jays should be able to slow them down again for no apparent reason. Toronto should surge ahead quickly and not look back.
Washington Nationals Betting Trends
The total went OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 7 matches. The Washington Nationals are 12-5 SU in their last 17 matches. The Washington Nationals are 4-1 SU in their last 5 matches against Toronto. The Washington Nationals are 4-2 SU in their last 6 matches on the road.
Toronto Blue Jays Betting Trends
The total went OVER in 4 of Toronto’s last 5 matches. The Toronto Blue Jays are 2-5 SU in their last 7 matches. The total went OVER in 7 of Toronto’s last 7 matches against Washington. The total went OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 6 matches at home.
Washington Nationals vs. Toronto Blue Jays 8/30/2023 Betting Picks
The total went OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 5 matches when playing on the road against Toronto. The total went OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 6 matches against an opponent in the American League. The Washington Nationals are 5-2 SU in their last 7 matches against an American League East Division opponent. The total went OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 5 matches when playing at home against Washington. The Toronto Blue Jays are 10-3 SU in their last 13 matches against an opponent in the National League East Division. For more insights, check out the latest premium sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays will win 5-2.