What Are the Latest Odds for Blue Jays vs. Rays?

The Toronto Blue Jays face off against the Tampa Bay Rays in the concluding match of their four-game series at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Both teams have shown fluctuating performance this season, with the Blue Jays aiming to bounce back after a recent loss, while the Rays are looking to build momentum after snapping a losing streak. This article will delve into the MLB odds, team performance, and expert predictions for this exciting match-up.

Last updated: 28 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

Current season series: Rays lead 5-3.
Blue Jays ended a six-game winning streak with a loss on Wednesday.
Rays snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over the Blue Jays.
Projected starters: Chris Bassitt for the Blue Jays, Shane Baz for the Rays.
Betting odds favour the Blue Jays slightly, but the Rays are home underdogs.

Current Team Performance

The Toronto Blue Jays currently hold a record of 89-63, showcasing a strong season with notable performances. They recently had a six-game winning streak, which came to an end with a narrow 2-1 loss against the Rays on Wednesday night. Despite this setback, the Blue Jays have shown resilience throughout the season, making them a formidable opponent.

On the other hand, the Tampa Bay Rays have struggled, currently sitting at 74-78. However, they managed to break a three-game losing streak with their victory over the Blue Jays. This win is crucial for the Rays as they attempt to regain momentum and finish the season strong. The team has been inconsistent but remains dangerous when at home, as they demonstrated in their recent match-up.

Match-Up Analysis

The upcoming game features two distinct pitchers, Chris Bassitt for the Blue Jays and Shane Baz for the Rays. Each has experienced varying levels of success this season, which will play a key role in the outcome of this match.

Chris Bassitt: Blue Jays' Ace

Chris Bassitt has established himself as a reliable starter for the Blue Jays. With an 11-8 record and a 3.90 ERA, he has been effective over 166 innings this season. His recent performance included a solid outing where he recorded a no-decision, allowing just one earned run in five innings against the Baltimore Orioles.

However, Bassitt's road performance has raised some concerns. He holds a less impressive 5.42 ERA in away games this season, with struggles evident in his previous outings against the Rays, where he has a 0-1 record and a 5.59 ERA in two starts. His ability to replicate his home success on the road will be critical for the Blue Jays' chances.

Shane Baz: Rays' Young Talent

Shane Baz has shown promise for the Rays, despite a challenging season that has led to a 9-12 record and a 5.15 ERA. His last performance saw him struggle against the Chicago Cubs, giving up five earned runs in five innings. However, Baz has been effective against the Blue Jays, holding a perfect 3-0 career record with a 2.63 ERA in six starts.

His ability to handle pressure at home and maintain control will be pivotal against a Blue Jays lineup looking to rebound. If Baz can find his form, he could provide a significant advantage for the Rays in this match-up.

Betting Odds Overview

According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the current odds for the game are as follows:

Moneyline: Blue Jays -130 | Rays +105
Run line: Blue Jays -1.5 (+140) | Rays +1.5 (-170)
Over/Under: 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Moneyline Insights

The Blue Jays are favoured with a -130 moneyline, indicating that bettors would need to wager £130 to win £100. Meanwhile, the Rays are positioned as underdogs at +105, suggesting a £100 bet would yield £105 in profit if they win. Given the Rays' recent victory and the Blue Jays' struggles on the road, this might be an opportune time to back the home team.

Run Line Considerations

When evaluating the run line, the Blue Jays are at -1.5 (+140), while the Rays are at +1.5 (-170). Given the competitive nature of the teams and their recent performances, it may be prudent to avoid the run line bet and focus on the moneyline, especially with the Rays having the potential to win outright.

Over/Under Analysis

The Over/Under total is set at 8 runs. Recent trends suggest that betting the Under may be the better option, as four of their last six meetings have resulted in totals staying Under. The Blue Jays have shown a tendency to play low-scoring games recently, with seven of their last ten games finishing Under, while the Rays have also leaned towards the Under in their recent contests.

Expert Predictions

Considering the current form of both teams and the performance of the starting pitchers, the prediction for this match is a close contest. The Rays are expected to edge out the Blue Jays with a scoreline of 4-3. The reasoning behind this prediction lies in the Rays' recent momentum and Bassitt's inconsistencies on the road.

Best Bets

Moneyline: Bet on the Rays (+105)
Run Line: Pass
Over/Under: Bet Under 8 (-115)

What’s Next for Both Teams?

As the season nears its conclusion, both teams will be focusing on their playoff aspirations and final standings. The Blue Jays aim to solidify their spot in the postseason, while the Rays will be looking to finish strong and build towards next season. The outcome of this game could have implications for both teams moving forward, particularly in terms of confidence and momentum.

In conclusion, this match-up between the Blue Jays and Rays promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams seek to assert themselves. With the Rays looking to capitalise on their recent victory and the Blue Jays needing to bounce back, fans can expect an exciting afternoon of baseball.

FAQs

What time does the Blue Jays vs. Rays game start?

The game is scheduled to begin at 1:10 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Where is the game being played?

The match will take place at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida.

Who are the starting pitchers for the game?

Chris Bassitt will start for the Blue Jays, while Shane Baz will take the mound for the Rays.

What are the latest betting odds for the game?

The Blue Jays are favoured at -130 on the moneyline, while the Rays are at +105.

What should I bet on for this game?

Expert predictions suggest betting on the Rays to win and the Under on the total runs.