The Kansas City Royals (35-53) and Toronto Blue Jays (47-42) kick off a 4-game set Thursday at Rogers Centre in Toronto. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Royals vs. Blue Jays odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Blue Jays lead 2-1
The Royals ride into Toronto on a high note, posting 3 of 4 wins in the previous series at home against the Detroit Tigers, while winning 2 of 3 prior to that against the Cleveland Guardians.
However, Kansas City placed 10 players on the restricted list ahead of the trip because the players aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19, required for entry to Canada.
The Blue Jays fired manager Charlie Montoyo prior to Wednesday’s game, and now turn to interim skipper John Schneider with Triple-A manager Casey Candaele promoted to bench coach in Toronto. The Jays responded with an 8-2 win over the Phillies in Schneider’s 1st game at the helm.
Toronto swept a 2-game interleague series against Philadelphia Tuesday and Wednesday, but the Jays were 1-9 in the previous 10 outings.
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Royals at Blue Jays projected starters
UNDECIDED vs. RHP Kevin Gausman
The Royals have not listed a lineup or a starting pitcher as of the time of this publishing.
- Kansas City’s team ERA of 4.84 ranks last in the AL and 27th in the majors.
- The pitching staff’s 1.48 WHIP ranks last in the majors, while it has only recorded an AL-low 642 K’s.
Gausman (6-6, 2.86 ERA) makes his 17th start. He has a 1.27 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 10.2 K/9 through 88 IP.
- Is 3-3 with a 3.77 ERA with a .306 opponent batting average and 51 K across 43 IP over 9 home starts.
- Has managed a 3-3 record with a 2.27 ERA and .234 OBA with 59 K in 47 2/3 IP in 8 night starts.
Royals at Blue Jays odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:47 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Royals +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Blue Jays -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +2.5 (-113) | Blue Jays -2.5 (-117)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: -110)
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Royals at Blue Jays picks and predictions
Prediction
Blue Jays 8, Royals 2
Money line
The Blue Jays (-450) are way too expensive even though the Royals (+310) are shorthanded and will have inexperienced catchers with the big-league club, a spot starter and outfielders coming up from the minors. Some coaches will be missing for Kansas City.
PASS, and look to the run line instead.
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Run line/Against the spread
After firing their manager Wednesday, the BLUE JAYS -2.5 (-117) responded well. A matchup with the shorthanded Royals is a perfect situation for the Jays to get back on track. Gausman is a veteran presence who will right the ship, and the Toronto players will each respond with urgency in this game after its skipper was canned Wednesday.
Over/Under
The OVER 8.5 (-120) is the lean here despite the fact the Under is 6-3 in the last 9 games for Toronto. The concern is that Kansas City’s offense will be patchwork and struggle for consistency, but Toronto should be able to do most of the heavy lifting to get this one across the finish line.
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