Toronto (4-5) at Atlanta (8-5)
When: Thursday, August 6th 2020
Where: Truist Park,
Cumberland, GA
Time: 7:10 ET | TV: Extra Innings
Opening Odds: Atlanta -135/9
The Toronto Blue Jays snapped a three-game skid on Wednesday and will try to win the series versus the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night in Cumberland, Ga. Free agent acquisition Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched five scoreless innings and helped the visiting Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves 2-1 on Wednesday. Ryu allowed only one hit and three walks, while striking out a season-high eight batters. The Blue Jays will now turn to rookie phenom Nate Pearson for the rubber match on Thursday. The loss dropped Atlanta a half-game behind the surprising Miami Marlins in the NL East, though the Braves have played seven more contests. On Wednesday, the Braves placed first baseman Matt Adams (left hamstring strain) and second baseman Ozzie Albies (right wrist contusion) on the injured list and activated veteran outfielder Nick Markakis and catcher Alex Jackson. Despite the loss, Atlanta has won four of the last six matchups with Toronto.
Pitchers: Blue Jays – Nate Pearson (0-0, 0.00) | Braves – Touki Toussaint (0-0, 8.10)
Pearson pitched a brilliant debut last week when he held the Washington Nationals scoreless over five innings while striking out five and allowing just two hits. The Blue Jays’ top prospect topped out at 99 mph with his fastball in the fifth and final inning and mixed in some great offspeed pitches.
Touki Toussaint will get his second start of the season after tossing four scoreless innings against the Mets on Sunday. The righty was tagged in a relief appearance by the Tampa Bay Rays on July 27th, but could stick in the rotation with Mike Foltynewicz gone and Mike Soroka injured for the season.
This Pearson guy is someone you need to ride until the price gets too high, because it will eventually. He seems like the real deal and the Braves are in for a rough night at the plate.
Check out who Bobby Babowski has on his Free MLB Picks page for today. He is on a 4-2 run!
Pick: Blue Jays +120
