Blue Jays at Diamondbacks
O/U 9 · RL Diamondbacks -1.5 · Chase Field
Diamondbacks ML-152
CONF 82%
WCashedFinal 3-6
The read
Chase Field is the setting for a collision between two teams trending in opposite directions as the Diamondbacks aim to extend Toronto's misery and clinch the series. While the pitching matchup features the household name of Max Scherzer, the reality on the mound is a stark contrast between a veteran struggling with health and a stable rotation anchor in Zac Gallen.
The most concerning factor for Toronto tonight is the current state of Max Scherzer. Despite a pristine 9-0 career record against his former team, the 41-year-old is currently struggling with right forearm tendinitis and enters this start with a bloated 9.58 ERA. His recent performance has been alarming, surrendering 10 earned runs over his last 4.1 combined innings. Facing an Arizona lineup that features Ildemaro Vargas—who is hitting a blistering .380—and the elite speed of Corbin Carroll, Scherzer’s diminished command makes him a massive liability in the hitter-friendly desert air. The Diamondbacks also receive a significant boost with the activation of Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who slides immediately into the cleanup spot to provide veteran power.
Toronto is currently navigating a full-blown injury crisis that has gutted their lineup depth. The fresh absence of Daulton Varsho, who exited Friday’s game with knee discomfort, removes the team’s leader in runs scored and leaves a massive void in the middle of the order alongside the already sidelined George Springer and Alejandro Kirk. While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains a threat, he is forced to carry an offense that is averaging just 3.7 runs per game. Furthermore, Toronto’s bullpen is heavily taxed after being forced to cover eight innings on Friday night. With Arizona boasting a rested back-end led by Paul Sewald and a 12-8 overall record, the Diamondbacks have the clear advantage to exploit a reeling Blue Jays squad that has won just once on the road all season.
Injuries noted
Diamondbacks: [NEW] Pavin Smith (Left Fielder) — Elbow (Left): Smith underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow Thursday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports. (Apr 18 — 0d ago) [KNOWN] Gabriel Moreno (Catcher) — Oblique (Left): The Diamondbacks placed Moreno on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to April 11, due to a left oblique strain. (Apr 14 — 4d ago) [KNOWN] Jordan Lawlar (Shortstop) — Wrist (Right): The Diamondbacks transferred Lawlar (wrist) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday. (Apr 7 — 11d ago) [KNOWN] Jeff Brigham (Relief Pitcher) — Undisclosed (Not Specified): The Cubs signed Brigham to a minor-league contract Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports. (Mar 30 — 18d ago) [KNOWN] Carlos Santana (First Baseman) — Thigh (Right): The Diamondbacks placed Santana on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right adductor strain. (Apr 7 — 11d ago) [KNOWN] Andrew Saalfrank (Relief Pitcher) — Shoulder (Left): Saalfrank (shoulder) said Wednesday that he expects to be sidelined 10-16 months, Arizona Sports reports. (Feb 11 — 66d ago) Blue Jays: [NEW] Daulton Varsho (Center Fielder) — Knee (Left): Varsho (knee) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks. (Apr 18 — 0d ago) [NEW] Lazaro Estrada (Unspecified Position) — Shoulder (Right): Toronto optioned Estrada to Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday. (Apr 17 — 0d ago) [NEW] Cody Ponce (Starting Pitcher) — Knee (Right): Ponce underwent surgery Friday to repair the ACL in his right knee, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. (Apr 17 — 0d ago) [NEW] Jose Berrios (Starting Pitcher) — Elbow (Right): Berrios (elbow) gave up five runs on five hits and a walk over 2.2 innings for Single-A Dunedin on Thursday, striking out three. (Apr 17 — 1d ago) [NEW] Addison Barger (Third Baseman) — Ankle (Left): Barger (ankles) resumed baseball activity at the Blue Jays' complex in Florida this week and is expected to begin swinging the bat Friday or Saturday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. (Apr 16 — 2d ago) [NEW] George Springer (Right Fielder) — Toe (Left): Springer (toe) resumed hitting off a tee Wednesday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports. (Apr 16 — 2d ago) [KNOWN] Alejandro Kirk (Catcher) — Thumb (Left): Kirk underwent surgery Tuesday to have a screw inserted into his fractured left thumb and is expected to be sidelined about six weeks, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. (Apr 7 — 11d ago) [KNOWN] Bowden Francis (Relief Pitcher) — Elbow (Right): Manager John Schneider revealed Tuesday that Francis is undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery on his right elbow and will miss the 2026 season, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports. (Feb 18 — 59d ago)
Every pick posts before the game and is graded after, in public. In the app you can ride or fade any of them, and your book keeps score against Gary's.
Download on the App Store