Thursday, May 8, 7:07 PM on CSPh, RSN

Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Philadelphia Phillies - Burnett, A (2-1) vs. Toronto Blue Jays - Dickey, R (2-3)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Thursday night, the Philadelphia Phillies will give the ball to A.J. Burnett as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays and R.A. Dickey.  Both pitchers will be making their 8th starts of the season.

A.J. Burnett went 6 innings in his last start and improved his record to 2 – 1 with a 2.06 ERA after giving up a run on 3 hits with 2 walks and 7 strikeouts.  If not for the solo homer, Burnett would have been spectacular.  And even with the run, Burnett has only allowed 3 runs in his last 3 starts.  Last season, Burnett allowed 79 runs as he compiled a 10 – 11 record with a 3.30 ERA in 30 starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In 2013, Burnett didn’t face the Blue Jays but he knows the lineup well.   And he will need to stay away from Jose Bautista.  Bautista is 6 of 14 with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs against Burnett.

 R.A. Dickey pitched to a no decision in his last start after 6 inning effort where he surrendered 3 runs on 5 hits with 4 walks and 3 strikeouts.  The lack of a decision left his record at 2 – 3 as he lowered his ERA slightly to 5.01.  Last season, Dickey was 14 - 13 with a 4.21 ERA in 34 starts. 

In 2013, Dickey didn’t pitch against the Phillies but his time with the New York Mets has given him some experience against the Philadelphia lineup.   Dickey will hope that he doesn’t have to face Jimmy Rollins as Rollins is a .304 hitter against the knuckleballer with 3 doubles, a homer and 3 RBIs.           

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Trends

Philadelphia Phillies are 15-12-3 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Philadelphia Phillies is -0.5

Toronto Blue Jays Betting Trends

Toronto Blue Jays are 19-13-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Toronto Blue Jays is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Philadelphia Phillies

05/05/14 SS Jimmy Rollins Groin questionable
03/28/14 LF Darin Ruf Oblique 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Ethan Martin Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Miguel Gonzalez Shoulder 60-day DL (3/21)

Toronto Blue Jays

05/06/14 3B Brett Lawrie Hamstring questionable
05/04/14 P Brandon Morrow Hand 60-day DL (5/3)
04/19/14 1B Adam Lind Back 15-day DL (4/16)
04/14/14 2B Maicer Izturis Knee 60-day DL (4/14)
03/31/14 P Casey Janssen Shoulder 15-day DL (3/29)

Guy's Pick: Take Toronto

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Guy Bruhn