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The Toronto Blue Jays will try and bounce back as they take on the Tampa Bay Rays again on Saturday in Central Florida. It's time to continue our MLB odds series with a Blue Jays-Rays prediction and pick.
The Rays defeated the Blue Jays 4-2 last night. The Rays led 1-0 heading into the fifth inning when Mike Zunino clipped an RBI single to make it 2-0. However, the Blue Jays fought back in the sixth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. plucked an RBI single to right that scored Raimel Tapia. It cut the deficit to 2-1. Toronto struck again in the eighth when Tapia delivered an RBI single that scored Vinny Capra. However, Tampa Bay would answer back in their half.
Manuel Margot lopped an RBI single that gave the Rays the 3-2 lead. Then, Francisco Mejia cracked an RBI single to right-center that made it 4-2. Brandon Lowe finished the rally with an RBI triple to center to make it 5-2.
Drew Rasmussen went 5 1/3 innings for the Rays, allowing one earned run on three hits. Meanwhile, Kevin Gausman tossed seven innings for the Jays, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits with eight strikeouts. Neither started factored into the final decision. The Rays are 20-13 and in second place in the AL East, while the Jays are 17-16 and in third place.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Blue Jays-Rays MLB odds:
MLB odds: Blue Jays-Rays
Blue Jays: +1.5 (-192)
Rays: -1.5 (+158)
Over: 8.5 (-105)
Under: 8.5 (-115)
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Why The Blue Jays Could Cover The Spread
Article Continues Below
Hyun Jin Ryu returns from a month-long left forearm inflammation injury. He is 0-0 with a 13.50 ERA over two starts. It will be interesting to see how he performs in his first game back from an extended injury. He made a four-inning rehab start last Saturday to prepare for this start and looks ready to get back at it. He will have the support of an offense that is okay but not performing to the level many believed they would.
The Jays rank 12th in batting average, 22nd in on-base percentage, and 20th in runs. Home runs have been their saving grace as they are seventh in the long ball. Guerrero has paced them with seven home runs and 20 RBIs. However, others in the lineup have struggled. Bo Bichette is hitting .246 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. Also, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is hitting .227 with two home runs and 11 RBIs. When Toronto does not hit home runs, they struggle to get runs across the board. It was the case last night. Toronto's bullpen struggled last night, and it was the second game this week they have allowed three runs.
The Jays will cover the spread if Ryu can return and pitch flawlessly. Additionally, they cover if they can get the offense going. Guerrero needs help from his teammates, and Toronto must get some offense going to compete in the AL East. The bullpen must do their job today and prevent another meltdown.
Why The Rays Could Cover The Spread
Ryan Yarbrough will pitch today. He is 0-0 with a 6.14 ERA. After a terrible first start, Yarbrough bounced back in his last start. He tossed five innings, allowing no earned runs on four hits. Now, Yarbrough expects to replicate the outing and will look to keep the Toronto hitters at bay. He hopes to get help from his offense.
The Tampa Bay offense is an enigma. The Rays rank 12th in batting average, 18th in on-base percentage, 11th in runs, and 13th in home runs. The offense is good enough to produce some days and bad enough to not hit the ball at all on other days. However, they are facing a pitcher coming off an extended injury and could be in line to get some hits going. Wander Franco is their best bat, as he is hitting .295 with four home runs and 15 RBIs. He needs to lead the charge and get the bats going. The Rays have scored 13 runs over five games for 2.6 runs per game.
The Rays will cover the spread if Yarbrough gives them a quality start. Additionally, Tampa Bay needs some offense to cover him. The bullpen must protect the lead and not put so much pressure on the offense to pick them up after a letdown.
Final Blue Jays-Rays Prediction & Pick
Neither team is firing on all cylinders right now. The stats would have you believe this might be a low-scoring game. However, the Jays are overdue for an offensive explosion, and it is difficult to trust Ryu or the Toronto bullpen right now. It feels like a 5-4 or 6-4 game, and that is one we likely might see. Expect the Jays and Rays to barely go over the spread.
Final Blue Jays-Rays Prediction & Pick: Over 8.5 (-105)
