Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays Prediction: Do Aaron Nola, Phillies Have an Edge Over Blue Jays?
The Phillies and the Blue Jays kick off a two-game series tonight. Do Aaron Nola and the Phillies have an edge over the Blue Jays? Baseball expert Krabs has an answer.
Krabs - May 9, 2023, 3:20 PM EDT
5 minPhiladelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays Prediction: Do Aaron Nola, Phillies Have an Edge Over Blue Jays?
It’s been a tough start to the year for Toronto’s ace Alek Manoah. The young righty was awarded the Opening Day start over Kevin Gausman, a decision many questioned with Manoah’s velocity down in the spring. Facing a Phillies lineup that’s finally healthy, Manoah faces another tough test on the road tonight with his already-inflated 4.71 ERA.
Phillies vs. Blue Jays Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2023
- Game Time: 6:40 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays Prediction
Alek Manoah isn’t the only pitcher on the bump in this game tonight who’s been struggling. Aaron Nola hasn’t lived up to the hype in his contract year. It isn’t all on Nola, who’s faced some of the best lineups in baseball on the road this season in New York, Houston, and Los Angeles. Nola has always pitched better at home in his career, with a career sub-3.3 ERA at Citizens Bank Park.
Nola has the upper hand against Toronto, pitching at home against one of the most overrated arms in baseball. Manoah has clearly taken a step back not only with his velocity but, more important, with his results. The righty simply hasn’t pitched up to his potential, and with a healthy Phillies lineup coming off their first win with Bryce Harper back in the lineup, expect Philly to continue building momentum as they return to their 2022 form.
Harper has returned to the Philadelphia lineup like he never left. The lefty slugger leads the lead in batting average after only five games since returning from Tommy John surgery. Brandon Marsh, Nick Castellanos, Bryson Stott, and J.T. Realmuto have all been impressive offensively at the start of 2023. As Trea Turner continues to round into form (currently on an eight-game hitting streak), buy stock on the Phillies now while it’s still low.
Although the Phillies currently sit three games under .500, they’ve performed much better at home. Nine of their sixteen wins have come at home in 2023. We can expect some positive regression from the Phillies over the next few weeks, as they are finally healthy and starting to play like it. This roster is simply too stacked to be sitting under .500 this season.
The Phillies have struggled against LHP this season but have had no problems facing righties. Currently slugging .436 with a .273 batting average against RHP, a matchup against Manoah could be exactly what the doctor ordered to get Philly back on track. This team won’t be sitting under .500 for long; back Philadelphia on the moneyline every night for the next two weeks, and you’ll profit. It starts tonight against one of the most overrated starting pitchers in all of baseball.
Fade Alek Manoah until the books start adjusting to how he’s been pitching this season. Toronto should not have opened up at (-105) on the moneyline, as sharps quickly hammered Philly down the (-135) overnight. Back the Phillies to take care of business against Manoah at home and earn their tenth victory in front of the Philly faithful.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays Pick
Philadelphia Phillies ML -135 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
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