Published Oct 30, 9:30pm EDT by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Oct 30, 9:30pm EDT
Grok AI
Updated Oct 30, 9:30pm EDT
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| Toronto Blue Jays | +124 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | -137 |
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has pitched consecutive complete games, beating the Brewers in the NLCS and the Blue Jays in Game 2 of the World Series. In those starts, he surrendered a combined 7 hits, 2 earned runs, walked 1, and struck out 15. He threw 111 pitches in the first game and 105 in the second.
By now, it's clear that despite the LA bullpen's superlative performance in the 18-inning win in Game 3, manager Dave Roberts does not trust the bullpen over his starters. He stayed with Blake Snell too long in Game 5, and Shohei Ohtani too long in Game 4.
Can Yamamoto again get to the eighth or even ninth inning to carry his team to Game 7? It's asking a lot. Yamamoto volunteered to pitch in Game 3 and, had Freddie Freeman not homered to win it, he would likely have taken the mound. That mental preparation could take a slight toll.
Toronto held Ohtani in check at the plate in Games 4 and 5. He was 0 for 7 with a walk after they were too frightened to pitch to him after his second homer in Game 3.
Apart from Teoscar Hernandez, Ohtani, Freeman, and Will Smith, the Dodgers have not been hitting. Andy Pages has been terrible. Roberts benched him in Game 5.
This game is win or the season is over, with their hopes for a dynasty going along with it.
First and foremost, Blue Jays' slugger George Springer could be back in the lineup after tweaking his oblique in Game 3.
Of course, the Jays may be just saying that so the Dodgers need to prepare for it when he cannot swing the bat effectively.
Kevin Gausman gets the start. He was solid in Game 2, but Yamamoto was better. Smith and Max Muncy took him deep in the 7th inning to break a 1-1 tie.
Toronto showed immense fortitude in winning Games 4 and 5 after what seemed to be a devastating loss in Game 3's marathon.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has carried the team with 2 homers, a .364 batting average, and a 1.136 OPS. Alejandro Kirk has 2 homers and is batting .333 with a 1.125 OPS.
These performances aside, it's been a team effort from top to bottom for the Blue Jays. And they've won the last two games without Springer and with Bo Bichette playing on a knee where he probably should not be playing, particularly with free agency coming in a matter of days, win or lose.
The question here is whether they can get to Yamamoto.
In any Game 7, one play potentially makes the difference between being a champion or not.
Given Yamamoto's recent workload, it will behoove the Blue Jays to try and get his pitch count up and get him out of the game as soon as possible.
The Jays' bullpen is rested. All hands are on deck for Games 6 and 7.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| George Springer, OF/DH | INJURED |
In World Series Game 6, the Blue Jays want to get this over with immediately without running the risk of Game 7. Having that safety net is nice. Still, how safe is it when it's a 50-50 shot?
Yamamoto has been brilliant in the playoffs. His toughness is reminiscent of Madison Bumgarner carrying the Giants to their 2014 World Series win.
Can the Blue Jays solve him? Will they get him out of the game and dig into LA's bullpen? Will LA need to use a starter in relief? If so, they might not be accustomed to relieving. Postseason adrenaline aside, they will be tired from the long season.
Gausman has been good and trustworthy. The Blue Jays can smell it, and they're going to win the championship on their home field in Game 6.
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Toronto Blue Jays +124
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