"The Blue Jays rank 28th in xwOBA on batted balls in play and have managed just a 3-7 record over their last 10 games, as the majority of the offence continues to struggle alongside an injury-ridden squad. Detroit, meanwhile, has suffered a similar fate, losing Tarik Skubal, Justin Verlander, Casey Mize, Javier Báez, Gleyber Torres and Kerry Carpenter to injury."
"Those three hitters alone, Báez, Torres and Carpenter, represented 54 home runs from a season ago, in a now decimated offence that is hitting just .219 with an 80 wRC+ in May. Although Yesavage only recorded three strikeouts in his season debut, the swing-and-miss is coming, striking out six in back-to-back starts and now posting a 10.1 K/9 rate with a 36% chase rate across 13 1/3 innings."
"The weapon that will continue to define his dominance is his signature splitter, which carries a .176 opponent batting average and a 38% whiff rate this season. The one legitimate concern with Yesavage, however, is his ability to work deep. He hasn't worked deep into starts yet, with his longest outing being his first at 5 1/3 innings, and the Blue Jays will need the bullpen ready."
"On Detroit's side, things are a little more complicated. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is going with an opener tonight, sending Brenan Hanifee out first in an attempt to neutralize Toront"
Toronto enters the matchup ranked 28th in xwOBA on balls in play and has gone 3-7 over its last 10 games, with offense production continuing to lag alongside an injury-riddled roster. Detroit has also been hit hard by injuries, losing key players including Tarik Skubal, Justin Verlander, Casey Mize, Javier Baez, Gleyber Torres, and Kerry Carpenter. The absence of Baez, Torres, and Carpenter removes 54 home runs from the prior season, leaving Toronto hitting .219 with an 80 wRC+ in May. Yesavage has increased strikeouts, posting a 10.1 K/9 rate and a 36% chase rate, powered by a splitter with a .176 opponent batting average and a 38% whiff rate. A concern remains his ability to work deep, with his longest outing at 5 1/3 innings, requiring a ready bullpen. Detroit plans to use an opener approach with Brenan Hanifee to neutralize Toronto.
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