The Oakland Athletics will begin a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada on Friday night. It's time to continue our MLB odds series with an Athletics-Blue Jays prediction and pick.
The Athletics defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-3 on Thursday afternoon in Central Florida. Christian Pache started things off in the second inning with an RBI single that drove in Elvis Andrus. Also, Pache and Kevin Smith scored when Randy Arozarena misplayed a ball, and it rolled behind him, making it 3-0 Oakland. Tampa Bay made it 3-1 on a Manuel Margot single in the bottom half of the inning. However, Oakland answered back with an RBI double from Sean Murphy in the third inning making it 4-1. Additionally, the A's added another run in each of the next two innings. Cole Irvin pitched 6 and 1/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits. Oakland has won four of the last five games.
The Blue Jays fell to the New York Yankees 3-0 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Jose Trevino punished Toronto twice with RBI singles that drove in Isiah Kiner-Falefa. In addition to that, the Yanks added a run in the eighth to cement the final score. Luis Severino shut down Toronto's hitters for five innings, giving up no runs on two scattered hits and striking out six. Correspondingly, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. struck out four times, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. twice, and Cavan Biggio whiffed twice. The Blue Jays split the four-game series in New York.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Athletics-Blue Jays MLB odds:
MLB Odds: Athletics-Blue Jays Odds
Athletics: +1.5 (-125)
Blue Jays: -1.5 (+104)
Over: 9.5 (-104)
Under: 9.5 (-118)
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Why The Athletics Could Cover The Spread
Oakland is scoring more than most predicted they would. They rank second in the majors in home runs. Additionally, the A's rank 11th in runs scored. It allowed them to take three of four games on the road from the Rays, a contending team. Now, they head to Toronto to face a team that many consider World Series contenders. The A's will send Daulton Jeffries to the hill.
Jeffries is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA on the season. He threw five scoreless innings allowing two hits in a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in his first start. Now, the A's hope he can replicate it against the Blue Jays. It will not be easy, as Guerrero, Gurriel, and Bo Bichette all can deliver damaging results at the plate. Consequently, Jeffries does not walk many people, but his ability to put the ball in clear view gives the hitters an option of smashing it. Thus, he must win the battles with the power hitters in this lineup and avoid falling victim to the home run. If Oakland can give him run support, it will allow him to become more comfortable making the pitches he needs to make.
The Athletics will cover the spread if Jeffries can give them five innings of quality pitching. Additionally, the bats need to remain hot, and the A's need to get on base. If Oakland can accomplish those tasks, they will remain hot and cover the spread.
Why The Blue Jays Could Cover The Spread
Toronto is 4-3 and coming off a series where they matched skills with the Yankees. Now, they come home for the first time this season. They will send Ross Stripling to the mound for the home opener.
Stripling is 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA on the season. He is making what might be an audition for the rotation. In spring training, the Jays considered him the default fifth starter in the rotation. Thus, this is his chance to show the Jays what he can do. He draws the home opener against an Oakland. He will need a quality start and will need some support.
The Jays split the series with the Yankees. However, Toronto could not score a run in two of the games. Therefore, the lineup has not shown the consistent slugging ability many forecasted. Guerrero, Bichette, and Gurriel Jr. need to rebound and lead the Jays. Additionally, Biggio needs to prove that he deserves a spot in the lineup. So far, Biggio has struggled, not garnering a hit.
The Blue Jays will cover the spread if Stripping gives them a quality outing. Additionally, Toronto needs its bats to awaken and crush Oakland early. Lastly, the Jays need to close the door down late.
Final Athletics-Blue Jays Prediction & Pick
This game could come down to the bullpens. Neither starter is an ace or even a middle-of-the-rotation guy. Despite Oakland playing well lately, Toronto has the better talent on paper. Ultimately, Guerrero and friends will help the Blue Jays score. Thus, they will propel Toronto to victory and cover the spread.
Final Athletics-Blue Jays Prediction & Pick: Blue Jays -1.5 (+104)
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