Toronto Blue Jays vs. San Diego Padres Prediction: Should You Fade Alek Manoah, Blue Jays?
The Toronto Blue Jays and the San Diego Padres start their three-game series tonight. Should you fade Alek Manoah and Blue Jays against Joe Musgrove and the Padres? Baseball betting expert Krabs breaks down the game.
Krabs - July 18, 2023, 4:19 PM EDT
5 minToronto Blue Jays vs. San Diego Padres Prediction: Should You Fade Alek Manoah, Blue Jays?
The Toronto Blue Jays are on fire out of the All-Star break, coming off a sweep against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The same cannot be said for the San Diego Padres, who just got swept in Philadelphia by the Phillies. With Alek Manoah looking to make his second straight quality start, will the Blue Jays win their fourth straight game post-All-Star break?
Blue Jays vs. Padres Date, Time, Where to Watch
- Date: July 18, 2023
- Time: 7:07 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Toronto Blue Jays vs. San Diego Padres Prediction
The public seems to be jumping back on the Alek Manoah bandwagon after his gem in Detroit before the All-Star break. His success is getting blown out of proportion; it was the Detroit Tigers' sub-par offense he was facing. I’m not buying back into Manoah until I see him pitch like he did in 2022.
The pitch clock has brought many positives to the game of baseball, but unfortunately for Manoah, it’s not for everyone. Most of the pitchers in baseball have gotten used to the quicker pace, but there are some arms that haven’t acclimated to the new rules. I don’t know if there’s a pitcher who’s been negatively impacted more by the pitch clock than Toronto’s Alek Manoah.
The 25 year old righty has not been able to make the adjustment to the faster game. He was one of the slowest pitchers in baseball last season, and is clearly not meshing with the faster pace. Yes, Manoah pitched well in his most recent outing, but there’s a significant difference between facing Detroit and facing San Diego.
Although the Padres have disappointed in 2023, their lineup is still potent. Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto and Manny Machado are three of the best hitters in baseball, and Manoah will have his hands full with his assignment tonight. It won’t help that his opposing pitcher, Joe Musgrove, has been dialed in of late.
Much like Manoah, Musgrove was one of the best pitchers in baseball last season. It took the Padres’ ace a few weeks to overcome an injury and get back on track, but once he did, the veteran righty returned to his 2022 form. Musgrove hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in eight of his last nine starts.
Although this Padres’ team has let us down numerous times this year, I’m willing to give them one last chance. Musgrove is dialed in, and I’m willing to fade Manoah against pretty much anyone until he gets back to his old self. Bet the Padres to steal the first game of this series in Toronto against the streaking Blue Jays.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. San Diego Padres Pick
San Diego Padres ML -130 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
MLB Odds
