Rays vs Blue Jays Odds - Rays will rise, Jays will fall
This week’s Rays vs Blue Jays odds feature one team we always expected to contend in the AL East visiting another we expected to drop out of the race long ago. Somehow, Toronto keeps hanging around in MLB betting. If it falters against the surging Rays, though, it could get buried in the division once and for all.
Rays vs Blue Jays odds: Both teams in the AL Wildcard hunt
- Halladay returns, but may not be at full strength
- Matt Garza loves to face top offenses
- Don’t bet against Canada’s team on Canada Day
Tonight, 7:07 p.m. ET
Jeff Niemann (6-4, 4.23) vs Roy Halladay (10-1, 2.53)
If you’re a Jays fan, Roy Halladay’s two-week stint on the DL probably feels like an eternity. Well, fret no more: Doc returns tonight and will shoot for the major-league wins lead in the Rays vs Blue Jays odds. Normally, it’s sportsbook suicide to bet against Halladay, but I see an upset pick opportunity. Halladay is strong against the Rays in his career, but not invincible. Carl Crawford, Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena and B.J. Upton have all taken him deep before and Halladay could be a bit rusty returning from his groin injury.
Jeff Niemann has never faced the Jays but that could work in his favor, as he’ll have the element of deception on his side. It’s a risk to pick Tampa, but why not take a flier on their +145 value when Doc may not be 100 per cent?
MLB betting pick: Rays
Tuesday, June 30, 7:07 p.m. ET
Matt Garza (5-5, 3.61) vs Scott Richmond (6-4, 3.68)
Uh-oh, Blue Jays. If you bet on sports, you better know your statistical history before you make a wager here, as everything about Matt Garza’s suggests he’ll dominate the Rays vs Blue Jays odds on Tuesday. First, there’s his 1.99 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in six career starts against the Jays. If you think the result will be different since the Jays’ offense is much improved, think again - Garza always pitches his best against potent offenses. In 41.2 combined innings against the Red Sox, Yankees and Phillies this season, Garza is 3-0 with a 1.73 ERA.
There’s nothing to really suggest the Rays offense will beat up Scott Richmond based on his solid track record this season, but Tampa does lead the majors in runs scored and Richmond gives up more long balls than most pitchers. The Rays will do enough to win; go with their Rays vs Blue Jays odds.
MLB betting pick: Rays
Wednesday, July 1, 1:07 p.m. ET
James Shields (6-5, 3.41) vs Ricky Romero (5-3, 3.20)
After a slow start to the season, James Shields has really returned to form for Tampa. He has a 3.15 ERA and just three walks in 34.1 innings this month, so his Rays vs Blue Jays odds are tempting. He’s solid against the Jays in his career but he does allow homers on the road and has served up three gopher balls in 15 career innings at the Rogers Center.
Meanwhile, Ricky Romero continues to justify his first-round pick status for the Jays. He stumbled in May but his June has been just as good as his April; this month, Romero is 4-1 with a 2.36 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 34.1 innings. He’ll battle Shields in a pitcher’s duel but the Rays vs Blue Jays odds shift to Toronto thanks to an intangible; July 1 is Canada Day and the park should be packed with enthusiastic supporters, who always seem to boost the Jays when they show up in bigger numbers.
MLB betting pick: Blue Jays
For more sports betting lines, including Rays vs Blue Jays odds throughout the series, read the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
