The Toronto Blue Jays (10-6) begin a 3-game series against the Houston Astros (7-9) on Monday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jays vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Blue Jays went 4-2 vs. Astros in 2022
The Blue Jays lost 8-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, though, they won the 3-game series and handed the Rays their 1st 2 losses of the season. Toronto is 7-3 in its last 10 games.
The Astros lost 9-1 on Sunday to the Texas Rangers as they lost 2 of 3 in the series. Houston was outscored 17-11 by Texas and is 5-5 in its last 10 games.
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Blue Jays at Astros projected starters
RHP Kevin Gausman vs. RHP Cristian Javier
Gausman (1-1, 1.35 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.00 WHIP, 1.4 BB/9 and 11.3 K/9 in 20 IP.
- Has fanned at least 7 batters in each of his 1st 3 starts
- After not allowing an ER in his 1st 2 starts, he allowed 3 ER on Wednesday vs. the Detroit Tigers.
Javier (1-0, 4.24 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.18 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 in 17 IP.
- Hasn’t recorded more than 6 K’s in a start this season
- Has given up 3 ER or more in 2 of his 1st 3 starts
Blue Jays at Astros odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:33 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Blue Jays -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Astros +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays -1.5 (+140) | Astros +1.5 (-165)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -120 | U: +100)
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Blue Jays at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Blue Jays 4, Astros 3
Moneyline
Despite being the road team on Monday, I’ll back the BLUE JAYS (-120) with how they’ve performed recently. Gausman has gotten off to a strong start and Toronto’s bats are always capable of doing damage against anyone.
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
With Gausman and Javier on the mound in this game, I believe we’ll get a close game. Taking Houston’s run line isn’t worth the risk at the current odds (-165) and I’m not comfortable taking Toronto (+140) to win by 2 runs.
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Over/Under
UNDER 8 (+100) has solid value with 2 talented pitchers on the bump in Monday’s matchup. Javier has been inconsistent to begin the season, but he has the ability to put up an impressive outing at home (boasted a 6-5 record with a 2.26 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 11.4 K/9 in 12 home starts in 2022).
The Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
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