Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays Prediction: Should You Fade Alek Manoah?
The Boston Red Rox hosts the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series starting tonight. Should you fade Alek Manoah today? Handicapper Krabs answers.
Krabs - August 4, 2023, 11:06 AM EDT
5 minBoston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays Prediction: Should You Fade Alek Manoah?
Last year, Alek Manoah was one of the best-starting pitchers in baseball. This year, with the new pitch-clock rules, Manoah has struggled to adjust to the faster tempo. He’s even been sent down to the minors this season, which nobody would have expected watching him pitch over the last two seasons. Will Manoah’s struggles continue against the Boston Red Sox tonight?
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays Date, Time, Where to Watch
- Date: August 4, 2023
- Time: 7:10 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays Prediction
I am going to fade Alek Manoah in every start until we see signs of last year’s Alek Manoah. He simply isn’t the same pitcher from previous years and has struggled mightily with his command. Command issues in Fenway Park are not a successful formula, as it’s been one of the most hitter-friendly parks in baseball this year.
Many of the Red Sox have seen Manoah a decent amount, including Alex Verdugo, who hits .421 in his career against Manoah in 19 at-bats. Verdugo has been hitting up recently and is currently on a six-game hit streak. Expect him and Rafael Devers to do some serious damage against Manoah tonight.
James Paxton has impressed in his tenth MLB season with a career rejuvenation in Boston. His ERA is down to 3.34 after two gems against the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. Yes, Toronto hits left-handed pitchers better, but Paxton has looked great recently, and the Blue Jays' offense has stalled over the last week or so. They only scored eight runs combined in their series against the Baltimore Orioles this week and have scored two or fewer runs in three of their last five games.
Paxton has great numbers against this Toronto lineup in a limited sample; George Springer, Whit Merrifield, Matt Chapman, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are all hitting below .235 against Paxton in their careers. Chapman is 0-17 against Paxton over the years. The veteran lefty should thrive against a lineup that enters this series in the midst of a cold spell.
Instead of having to worry about Boston’s interior bullpen in this matchup, bet the Red Sox through the first five innings. Alek Manoah is not MLB-ready and has yet to adjust to the faster tempo. Continue to fade him against any team in any spot.
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays Pick
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