The Toronto Blue Jays are set to face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with an emphasis on a promising matchup against pitcher Brandon Pfaadt. Although the Jays recently faced a setback after being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies, they demonstrate a strong overall performance, finishing a lengthy nine-game road trip with a 5-4 record.
Heading into the series opener on June 17, the Blue Jays are boasting an impressive batting average, currently leading Major League Baseball. They rank second in on-base plus slugging (OPS) and third in weighted runs created plus (wRC+) since May 29, highlighting their offensive prowess. This success is critical as they meet a D-backs pitching staff that ranks among the lower tier in major leagues, including the sixth-worst team ERA.
Particularly concerning for Arizona is Pfaadt’s recent form. Not only does he struggle statistically—ranking poorly in expected ERA, batting average, exit velocity, and hard-hit percentage—but he has also given up 18 runs on 21 hits in just three starts. As a result, the betting predictions indicate he is likely to yield over 2.5 earned runs during this matchup.
Key players to watch include Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk, both of whom have been on a roll. Guerrero has recorded four multi-hit games in his last seven matchups, while Kirk stands out as one of baseball’s hottest hitters, with a .404 batting average over the past 14 games.
With a focus on Pfaadt’s struggles and the hot streak of the Blue Jays hitters, fans and analysts alike are hopeful that Toronto will capitalize on this opportunity, potentially leading to a resurgence in their batting as they aim for victory at Rogers Centre.
This matchup is not only crucial for the Blue Jays as they seek to bounce back, but it also highlights the dynamic nature of baseball where even the most seemingly off-kilter teams can surprise with their offensive strengths.