Two playoff contenders will kick off a quick two-game series at Rogers Centre tonight as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Philadelphia Phillies. Both of these teams have true playoff aspirations and it's certainly possible, but they both are going to be desperate for wins if they want to be there in October. With that said, it’s time to continue our MLB odds series with a Phillies-Blue Jays prediction and pick.
Here are the Phillies-Blue Jays MLB Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel
MLB Odds: Phillies-Blue Jays Odds
Philadelphia Phillies: +1.5 (-120) (+164 ML)
Toronto Blue Jays: -1.5 (+100) (-196 ML)
Over: 9.5 (+100)
Under: 9.5 (-122)
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Why The Phillies Can Cover The Spread/Win
The Philadelphia Phillies weren't quite able to pull off a series win over the Cardinals in their last outing but still remain in contention for their division. Currently, the Phillies are slightly over .500 with a 46-41 record but are still 8.0 games behind the Mets for first place in the NL East. The Phillies are ranked fifth in the league at producing 4.76 runs per game and their pitching is a top 10 unit, showing a 3.73 collective ERA. Starting on the mound today for the Phillies will be Kent Emanuel, who is seeing some big league action for the first time since May 2021.
Unfortunately, the Phillies have been dealing with injuries all season long, including superstar Bryce Harper (thumb) and Jean Segura (finger surgery). On top of that, because this series will be in Canada, JT Realmuto and Alex Bohm will both not be making the trip due to their vaccination status.
Why The Blue Jays Can Cover The Spread/Win
The Toronto Blue Jays have been on a major skid recently as they have now lost nine of their last 10 games, forcing them to be on the outside looking into the Wild Card spot. After the losses, the Blue Jays are now fourth in the amazing AL East with a 45-42 and 16.5 games behind the Yankees. On paper, the Blue Jays are loaded on offense as they score 4.56 runs per game, but the pitching has been their biggest concern, ranking in the bottom 10 in the league with a combined 4.13 ERA. With that said, veteran Kevin Gausman will make his 17th start of the season going 6-6 with a 2.86 ERA.
Final Phillies-Blue Jays Prediction & Pick
At first glance, the Phillies have much more momentum than the Jays, but this is where it all gets turned around. The Blue Jays are due for a big game, especially at home against an injury-riddled Phillies team. Both of these teams can put up good fights, but, give me the Blue Jays run line while it's still in plus money to have them win by two or more, this is where the bats become hot, just before the All-Star break.
Final Phillies-Blue Jays Prediction and Pick: Blue Jays -1.5 (+100)