Toronto Blue Jays vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Predictions July 21st 2024

Tigers Go for Fifth Straight Win and Sweep of Blue Jays

The Detroit Tigers are riding high, gunning for their fifth straight win and aiming to sweep the Toronto Blue Jays this Sunday afternoon. After taking three of four from the Blue Jays earlier in May, the Tigers are looking to continue their dominance and keep the momentum rolling.

Recent Performance

Tigers’ Winning Streak

The Tigers notched their fourth straight win with a solid 7-3 victory over the Blue Jays on Saturday. This win brings them to the brink of tying their season-high win streak. The team has shown resilience and depth, overcoming challenges and delivering strong performances game after game.

Pitching Matchup

Toronto Blue Jays

Kevin Gausman (7-8, 4.50 ERA):

• Gausman is set to start for the Blue Jays, bringing both experience and a solid track record against the Tigers. In 12 career starts against Detroit, he has a 3-3 record with a 3.22 ERA.
• Recent Performance: This season, Gausman is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA against the Tigers in one start, demonstrating his ability to handle their lineup effectively.

Detroit Tigers

Keider Montero (1-2, 5.47 ERA):

• Montero is making his first career start against the Blue Jays. The young right-hander has shown potential but will need to be at his best to counter Toronto’s potent offense.

Key Player Absences

Bo Bichette (Blue Jays):

• Bichette, a crucial part of Toronto’s lineup, is on the injured list with a right calf strain. His absence leaves a big gap in both their offense and defense.
• Impact: With Bichette out, Toronto is relying on Leo Jimenez, who went 0-for-3 on Saturday, highlighting the challenge of replacing such a key player.

Tigers’ Strategic Adjustments

Reese Olson’s Injury:

• The Tigers faced a setback when right-hander Reese Olson left Saturday’s game after two innings due to a sore right shoulder. He will be examined in Detroit, forcing the team to adjust their pitching strategy.
• Bullpen Performance: The Tigers’ bullpen stepped up big time. Alex Faedo, Kenta Maeda, Tyler Holton, and Shelby Miller combined to cover the innings. Despite Maeda allowing three runs, the bullpen’s overall performance was key to securing the win.

Offensive Highlights

Detroit Tigers

Jake Rogers:

• Rogers smashed a grand slam, his seventh homer of the season, during the Tigers’ six-run inning on Saturday. His performance against Toronto has been stellar, batting .350 with a home run and five RBIs in six career games against them.
• Rogers’ Perspective: “We’re a gritty young team, and little things matter. Playing good defense matters. Getting runners in when we need to matters. I just wanted to get one or two in there and obviously, I got four. It’s great. We are having fun right now. Just have to keep it going.”

Toronto Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.:

• Guerrero continues to be a force, racking up three hits, including a two-run homer, bringing his season total to 16 homers. His performance against the Tigers this season has been outstanding, batting .542 with three doubles, three home runs, and seven RBIs in six games.
• Manager’s Comment: “I am glad we only have one more game with Vlad,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “That’s enough of Vlad Jr.”

Game Implications

The Tigers are looking to keep their winning streak alive and solidify their standing in the league. Continuing their power surge against the Blue Jays is crucial for maintaining their momentum. On the flip side, the Blue Jays are looking to find consistency and turn their season around. The pitching matchup between Kevin Gausman and Keider Montero will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this game.

Conclusion

As the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays clash in the series finale, both teams have a lot on the line. The Tigers aim to keep their winning streak going and build on their recent success, while the Blue Jays are trying to overcome injuries and find their rhythm. The showdown between Kevin Gausman and Keider Montero will be crucial in determining who comes out on top in this high-stakes game.