The slump continues for a Chicago White Sox team that’s lost five in a row — and they’re counting on starter Mike Clevinger to turn the tide as they face the Toronto Blue Jays again tonight.
The White Sox, who’s now dropped 10 of their last 12 outings, jumped out to a 2-0 lead last night before the Blue Jays’ bats rallied against Lance Lynn to score five unanswered runs.
Cavan Biggio’s three-run homer did most of that damage to back up a solid start from Chris Bassitt, and Toronto sends the erratic Jose Berrios to the mound tonight as they try to seal another series win.
Get the inside scoop with our free MLB betting picks for White Sox vs Blue Jays on April 25.
White Sox vs Blue Jays odds
White Sox vs Blue Jays predictions
The Jose Berrios experience hasn’t followed the script the Toronto Blue Jays likely had in mind when they inked the right-hander to a seven-year, $131M deal after the 2021 season, but there have been enough encouraging signs over his last two starts to suggest that we might get a low-scoring battle here.
Berrios threw seven strong innings in Houston last week and stifled a potent Astros line-up, giving up two runs on three hits while issuing just a single walk. That came after a 6-strikeout effort to beat the Rays.
If that’s the Berrios who shows up at Rogers Centre tonight, I like his chances of overpowering a Chicago White Sox team weighed down by a miserable April skid. Chicago only managed three hits against Bassitt last night.
Mike Clevinger might be Chicago’s best hope of ending its losing run. He’s held the opposition scoreless in two of his four starts and, aside from Whit Merrifield, the Toronto hitters haven’t seen a lot of him.
The top of this Blue Jays lineup was largely held in check yesterday as Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Daulton Varsho, and Matt Chapman went a combined 3-for-17. The visitors can take encouragement from that, though George Springer should be back in the outfield tonight. Keep in mind too that the Under is 5-0-1 in Toronto’s last six outings against a right-handed starter.
I’m counting on both pitchers to have steady starts, setting up a tight, cagey contest, and I’m taking the Under on total runs through the first five innings.
My best bet: First five innings Under 5 (-117 at SIA)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Bet with one of Canada’s best
Looking to bet on some Jays action? Join Sports Interaction, the best in Canada for new bettors.
White Sox vs Blue Jays moneyline analysis
The Blue Jays were big favorites last night and those MLB odds have been shortened again for tonight, despite Berrios’ up-and-down first month of the season. The -212 price for Toronto feels too high given the White Sox are in desperation mode here.
But the pitching duel may give Chicago a slight edge. While Clevinger only lasted three innings in his last start, he’s pitched well in his other three outings for a healthy 3.26 ERA. Meanwhile, Berrios has battled some of the same errors that derailed his 2022 season, as batters jumped all over him in his first two starts (15 hits).
Still, it’s hard to ignore the visitors’ wretched form. In addition to the winless streak, they’ve also lost their last four games on astroturf and they’re 2-5 in their last seven matchups against the Blue Jays.
White Sox vs Blue Jays Over/Under analysis
A 9-run line doesn’t show a lot of faith in Berrios and Clevinger to subdue some dangerous hitters tonight, but the White Sox have been struggling at the plate during this losing run. Manager Pedro Grifol pointed out that his team “chased quite a bit” in last night’s loss as Bassitt’s array of pitches kept hitters off balance.
Plus, neither team has been lighting up the scoreboard lately. Toronto’s last four games have all served up seven runs or fewer, while five of Chicago’s last six games have delivered less than eight runs.
Though the White Sox relievers faltered yesterday, the Blue Jays got excellent outings from their bullpen and Jordan Romano continues to be a terrific ninth-inning weapon. Ultimately, though, this comes down to whether you trust Berrios to bring his best stuff. Tonight, I do.
White Sox vs Blue Jays game info
| Location: | Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Tuesday, April 25, 2023 |
| First pitch: | 7:07 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCS-Chicago, Sportsnet |
White Sox vs Blue Jays betting preview
Starting pitchers
Mike Clevinger (2-1, 3.26 ERA): Clevinger isn’t likely to overpower this Toronto lineup with strikeouts, but his ERA speaks volumes for his ability to frustrate hitters and get out of jams. Even after a string of injuries, his sinker can be deadly.
Jose Berrios (1-3, 6.23 ERA): Berrios was efficient in his last outing, enabling him to get through seven innings of work. With his offseason work starting to pay dividends and his fastball beginning to rediscover some of its power, he’s well-placed to get over some of his struggles against this White Sox lineup.
Latest injuries
Trend to know
Despite the hosts’ big-hitting lineup, the Under is 5-0-1 in the Blue Jays’ last six games overall. Find more MLB betting trends for White Sox vs. Blue Jays
