MLB is set to serve up another exciting clash as the Tampa Bay Rays go head-to-head with the Toronto Blue Jays. Fresh off a 7-3 victory, the Rays aim to build momentum, which is no surprise considering the 20-1 rout they suffered just two days ago. The match marked a significant shift as Tampa forfeited their long-held position as the run leaders in MLB.

The Rays enter the fray as the favored team at -164 on the moneyline. This seems interesting, not because Tampa is favored at home but due to Alek Manoah’s recent performance. The Jays’ All-Star pitcher has had a tough stretch. 

Manoah, who was anticipated to emerge as one of the dominant aces, has instead deviated in the opposite direction. In the last 30 days, his xFIP is one of the worst in baseball at 6.67. Moreover, his strikeout rate is a mere 16%, with walks given to over 10% of batters he faces.

The splits are particularly alarming. As a right-handed pitcher, he allows a .444 wOBA to 68 left-handed batters, while righties stand at .367. Both lefties and righties also display elevated ISO power numbers against him. As the Jays face the Rays, Manoa’s struggles could be a serious liability.

On the contrary, Zach Eflin, although not the best pitcher we’ve ever seen, has proven significantly more effective than Manoah. In a previous encounter with the Rays this season, Manoah yielded nine hits, seven earned runs, and four walks in just 4.2 innings – a dismal performance.

The Rays are familiar with Manoah’s style and know they can get to him. As such, the likelihood of the Rays securing another win today appears high.