The Toronto Blue Jays will look to capitalize on their early advantage in the World Series as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2. After securing a victory in the series opener, the Blue Jays lead the best-of-seven championship 1-0. The matchup is set for October 28, 2023, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, with the first pitch scheduled for 20:00 EDT.
The Blue Jays finished the regular season with a strong record of 94-68, earning them the top spot in the American League East. They have been particularly dominant at home, boasting a 54-27 record at Rogers Centre. In contrast, the Dodgers concluded their regular season with a record of 93-69, leading the National League West but struggling with a .500 record on the road at 41-40.
As both teams prepare for the second game, the pitching matchup features Toronto’s Kevin Gausman against Los Angeles’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Gausman enters the game with a record of 10-11 and a 3.59 ERA, while Yamamoto has been a standout performer with a 12-8 record and an impressive 2.49 ERA, along with 201 strikeouts this season.
Key Performers and Statistics
The Blue Jays have showcased a powerful offense throughout the season. Their team batting average of .265 is the highest in Major League Baseball, providing them with a solid foundation for success. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a key contributor, amassing 34 doubles, 23 home runs, and 84 RBIs. In the last ten games, George Springer has also made a significant impact, hitting .256 with four home runs and eight RBIs.
The Dodgers, renowned for their offensive capabilities, have also performed well despite their recent challenges. Shohei Ohtani has been a standout player for Los Angeles, tallying 25 doubles, nine triples, and 55 home runs while maintaining a .282 batting average. In the past ten games, Tommy Edman has contributed with 11 hits, including two home runs.
In terms of recent performance, the Blue Jays have gone 6-4 in their last ten games, with a collective batting average of .287, while outscoring opponents by 14 runs. The Dodgers, on the other hand, stand at 8-2 over the same stretch, with a batting average of .234 and an ERA of 3.07.
Injury Reports and Betting Lines
Injuries have affected both teams as they head into this critical matchup. The Blue Jays are currently managing several players on the injured list, including José Berrios, who is on the 15-day IL due to an elbow issue. Other notable injuries include Robinson Pina and Nick Sandlin, both on the 60-day IL with elbow problems.
The Dodgers also face significant challenges with injuries to key players. Nick Frasso is on the 60-day IL with an undisclosed issue, and Tony Gonsolin is out for the season with an elbow injury. The team is also missing Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech due to various ailments.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Dodgers are currently favored at -137, with the Blue Jays at +116. The over/under for the game is set at 7.5 runs, reflecting the anticipation of a competitive matchup between two high-caliber teams.
As the Blue Jays and Dodgers prepare for Game 2 of the World Series, both sides are eager to secure a vital win. The outcome of this game will be crucial in shaping the direction of the series as it unfolds.
