MLB Picks and Predictions: Blue Jays vs. Phillies on 3/17

The MLB season is in full swing, and on March 17th, 2023, the Toronto Blue Jays will take on the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. As we gear up for the game, let's take a closer look at both teams' hitting and pitching abilities, their injury reports, and our prediction.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays are off to a strong start this season with a 12-7 record. They have been particularly impressive on the road, with a 5-5 record away from home. Their hitting has been a key factor in their success, with George Springer leading the team with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs. Kevin Kiermaier has also been impressive with a .545 batting average.

On the pitching side, the Blue Jays have had some ups and downs. Their ERA is currently 4.24, and they have a 1.41 WHIP. However, they have struck out 197 batters and limited opponents to a .252 batting average. Hagen Danner and Mitch White are currently out, but it remains to be seen how much their absence will impact the team.

Looking ahead to this matchup, the Blue Jays will have to rely on their hitting once again to come out on top. With George Springer leading the way, they have a number of other dangerous hitters in their lineup, including Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. If their pitching can hold up, they have a good chance of winning this game.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have a 9-8 record so far this season, with a 6-4 record at home. Their hitting has been particularly impressive, with Edmundo Sosa leading the team with 4 home runs and a .524 batting average. Madison Stokes is also off to a strong start with a 1.000 batting average.

However, their pitching has been a weak point so far this season. They currently have an ERA of 6.55 and a 1.67 WHIP. They have struck out 163 batters but have allowed opponents to bat .275 against them. Nick Nelson and Cristopher Sanchez are out, while Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs are day-to-day. Bryce Harper is also out for the game on March 17th.

In order to win this game, the Phillies will need their hitters to come through in a big way. Edmundo Sosa has been a bright spot for the team so far this season, and they will also be looking for big contributions from Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto. On the pitching side, they will need a strong performance from their starter, as well as their bullpen, which has struggled at times this season.

Injuries

Both teams have some key players out for the game. For the Blue Jays, Hagen Danner and Mitch White are out, while Ricky Tiedemann is day-to-day. For the Phillies, Nick Nelson and Cristopher Sanchez are out, while Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs are day-to-day. Bryce Harper is also out for the game on March 17th.

Injuries are always a concern in baseball, and they can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. In this matchup, both teams will be missing some key players, but the Blue Jays appear to have a slightly healthier roster heading into the game.

Prediction

Both teams have had some strong performances so far this season, but the Blue Jays have been slightly more consistent. Their hitting has been solid, and their pitching has been good enough to get the job done. The Phillies, on the other hand, have struggled with their pitching and will be without key player Bryce Harper for the game.

Taking all of this into account, we predict that the Toronto Blue Jays will come out on top in this matchup. With a solid hitting lineup and a pitching staff that has shown flashes of brilliance, they should be able to take advantage of the Phillies' struggles on the mound. Of course, anything can happen in baseball, and injuries and other factors could play a role in the outcome of the game.

If you're looking to make some MLB picks for today, the Blue Jays appear to be a solid choice. However, it's always important to do your research and consider all of the factors that could impact the game before making any bets.

Pick: Blue Jays ML