Tag: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Houston Astros odds predictions pick betting line spread

Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Toronto Blue Jays (3-3) take on the Houston Astros (1-5) Wednesday in the finale of a 3-game set at Minute Maid Park at 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: Tied 1-1

The Jays put together a dramatic, 9th-inning, 2-1 victory off Astros closer Josh Hader. Trailing 1-0 in the 9th, Jays LF Davis Schneider hit a 2-run, 2-out homer off Hader in the top of the inning.

The Jays scattered 6 hits off RHP Framber Valdez, but he tossed 7 2/3 shutout innings. It’s a little concerning since Toronto was no-hit the previous game. The Jays hadn’t scored a run in 19 consecutive innings until Schneider connected on the 2-run homer.

The Astros are 1-5 on the young season, but they are unleashing strikeout machine RHP Cristian Javier on the mound Thursday. The blown save foiled our Astros bet for Tuesday, but we went 2-for-3 with the Under 4.5 first 5 and Under 8.5 totals. With a 2-for-3 showing in the opener, we’re 4-for-6 on wagers in this series. Let’s see if we can sweep it Wednesday.

Blue Jays at Astros projected starters

RHP Chris Bassitt vs. RHP Cristian Javier

Bassitt (0-1, 7.20 ERA) allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, while fanning 6 in an 8-2 loss at the Tampa Bay Rays Friday.

  • 2023 road stats: 8-4 with a 4.50 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 8.1 K/9 in 16 starts vs. 8-4 with a 2.86 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 8.6 K/9 in 17 home starts
  • Last 5 starts vs. HOU: 3-1, 2.64 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 23 K in 31 IP

Javier (0-0, 0.00 ERA) was great in a no-decision against the visiting New York Yankees Friday, allowing 4 hits and a walk, while fanning 6 in 6 shutout frames.

  • 2023 home stats: 5-2 with a 3.71 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 9.4 K/9 in 13 starts vs. 5-3 with a 5.17 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 8.4 K/9 in 18 road starts
  • Career vs. Blue Jays: 1-1, 5.23 ERA (10 1/3 IP, 6 ER), 1.26 WHIP, 13 K in 2 starts, including a win last season (5 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K)

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers Draft Prep and full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

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 4:56 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Blue Jays +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Astros -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays +1.5 (-165) | Astros -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: +100 | U: -120)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Blue Jays at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 3, Blue Jays 2

Moneyline

The Astros bullpen isn’t in the best shape after Hader threw 21 pitches Tuesday night, and they’ll likely need to go elsewhere if a save situation arises.

The starting pitching matchup is heavily favored enough in Houston’s favor that it won’t matter. TAKE ASTROS (-145).

Run line/Against the spread

I’m going to PASS on the RL again and go back to the well with UNDER 4.5 FIRST 5 INNINGS (-110).

Javier misses bats, and the Astros offense has been hit-or-miss (a lot of miss).

Over/Under

This is the best of the “Big 3” bets here. The wind is blowing in again from left-center, and we had just 3 runs Tuesday. Toronto has just 2 runs in the series. Javier will limit them again.

TAKE UNDER 9 (-120).

I’d even venture to the ALTERNATE UNDER 8.5 (+100).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Toronto Blue Jays (2-3) take on the Houston Astros (1-4) Tuesday in the 2nd of a 3-game set at Minute Maid Park at 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: Astros lead 1-0

We saw history Monday night when Astros RHP Ronel Blanco threw a no-hitter against the Jays in a 10-0 victory. Jays SP Bowden Francis roughed it through 5 1/3 IP, 7 ER, 10 H, 1 BB and struck out 7. 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had the hat trick with 3 K’s Monday.

Blanco pitched all 9 innings, allowing 2 walks and striking out 7 over the hitless frames. OF Kyle Tucker, who is my breakout candidate this season, hit 2 homers and drove in 4. We cashed 2 of the 3 bets here, as the Blue Jays run line didn’t cash, but the Astros ML and Over 9 did.

Blue Jays at Astros projected starters

RHP Jose Berrios vs. RHP Framber Valdez

Berrios (1-0, 3.00 ERA) makes his 2nd start. He went 6 IP, allowing 2 ER on 6 H and 1 BB while fanning 6 in his win over the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday.

  • 2023 road stats: 5-6 with a 3.97 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 8.2 K/9 in 17 GS vs. 6-6, 3.30 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 9.3 K/9 in 15 home GS
  • Last 5 starts vs. HOU: 4-1, 2.48 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 23 K in 32 2/3 IP

Valdez (0-0, 5.79 ERA) allowed 3 ER on 5 H and 6 BB while fanning 5 in 4 2/3 IP in his no-decision against the New York Yankees Thursday.

  • 2023 home stats: 4-8, 3.35 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 9.4 K/9 in 16 GS vs. 8-3, 3.56 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 8.7 K/9 in 15 road GS.
  • 4 career starts vs. Toronto: 1-3, 5.48 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 20 K in 23 IP

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers Draft Prep and full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

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 12:50 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Blue Jays +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Astros -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays +1.5 (-160) | Astros -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Blue Jays at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, Blue Jays 3

Moneyline

Valdez’s 6 walks in the opener are concerning because, dating back to last season, he now has 3+ walks in 3 straight starts and 14 combined. He has bad numbers against Toronto, but it is important to note that 3 of his 4 starts were in Toronto, and his lone win came at home in 2019. I look for some bounce back from Toronto, but Houston’s pen is in great shape, and I look for Valdez to iron out the kinks.

Take the ASTROS -155.

Run line/Against the spread

I’m passing on the RL here. I really like UNDER 4.5 TOTAL RUNS FIRST 5 INNINGS (-120).

Berrios has pitched surprisingly well against Houston. He dealt 7 IP in this building last year, allowing 2 ER on 3 H and a BB in a loss. The wind is expected to be blowing in at 18 mph this evening. Roll with that Under.

Over/Under

I thought about testing the Over 8.5 at even money here until I saw the wind forecast. The Over is 4-1 for Toronto on the young season and 1-3-1 for Houston. The Over is just 3-6-1 in the last 10 meetings between the clubs.

LEAN UNDER 8.5 (-120).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Toronto Blue Jays (2-2) take on the Houston Astros (0-4) Monday in the opener of a 3-game set at Minute Maid Park at 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 won 5-2 last year

The Jays won the opener and finale of their 4-game set with the Tampa Bay Rays. They took Sunday’s tilt 9-2 as 3B Justin Turner went 3-for-4 with a homer and 4 RBI. RHP Kevin Gausman went 4 1/3 IP, allowing a run and striking out 6. He dealt with shoulder soreness in the spring, and he was lifted after 69 pitches as he ramps it back up.

Raise your hand if you had the Astros starting the season 0-4 … I’ll wait. Indeed, the New York Yankees completed a 4-game sweep with a 4-3 win Sunday. Closer Josh Hader entered a tied game in the 9th for the 3rd time in 4 games and got touched up for the go-ahead run on 2 hits. He had thrown 2 hitless innings with 5 K’s before that. The good news, though, is Houston lost 3 of those games by 1 run.

Blue Jays at Astros projected starters

RHP Bowden Francis vs. RHP Ronel Blanco

Francis went 1-0 with a 1.73 ERA in 20 relief outings last year. He had a 0.83 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 36 1/3 IP.

  • 2023 road stats: 0-0, 2.19 ERA (12 1/3 IP, 3 ER), 0.89 WHIP, 14 K in 8 relief appearances
  • First time facing Toronto
  • Utilizes 3 pitches: Four-seam fastball (94.4 mph), Curveball and slider; opponents hit just .197 off his fastball last year

Blanco went 2-1 over 7 starts and 10 relief appearances last year. He had a 4.50 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 4.8 BB/9 and 9.0 K/9 in 52 IP.

  • 2023 as a starter: 2-1, 4.74 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 35 K in 38 IP
  • 2023 home stats: 1-1, 4.03 ERA (29 IP, 13 ER), 1.55 WHIP, 33 K in 4 starts and 6 relief appearances
  • 1 start vs. Toronto: No-decision, 6 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 4 BB, 5 K

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers Draft Prep and full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

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 12:52 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Blue Jays +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Astros -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays +1.5 (-165) | Astros -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Blue Jays at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 6, Blue Jays 5

Moneyline

I’m not a fan of the price, but the books share my sentiment that the Astros aren’t opening the season 0-5. They took 2 of 3 at home against Toronto last year, and they outscored them 19-7 in the process.

Take the ASTROS -145.

Run line/Against the spread

I’m going to take the Jays here. Because while I don’t believe the Astros are going 0-5, they burned their closer Sunday and could have some trouble closing out the game. The pitching matchup also presents an opening for Toronto.

Take the BLUE JAYS +1.5 (-165).

Over/Under

Houston scored just 11 runs in 4 games. The Blue Jays were feast or famine against Tampa, scoring 17 in their 2 wins and 3 in their 2 losses. What puts this over the top for me, though, is the unknowns on the mound, and there’s projected to be a 15-mph gust blowing straight out.

LEAN OVER 9 (-115).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Astros (8-10) host the Toronto Blue Jays (11-7) on Wednesday for the finale of their 3-game set. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is at 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: Tied 1-1

The Blue Jays edged out the Astros with a 4-2 win Tuesday, helped by homers from 1B Vlad Guerrero Jr. and 3B Matt Chapman. RHP Chris Bassitt also threw 6 1/3 scoreless innings against the Astros’ powerful lineup, striking out 5 batters. The win snapped a 2-game losing skid.

The Astros took the series opener against the Blue Jays in dominant fashion, winning 9-2. Houston has alternated wins and losses in its last 8 games, failing to push back above .500. The Astros rank 8th in runs scored (88) and 7th in team ERA (3.43).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Blue Jays at Astros projected starters

RHP Jose Berrios vs. RHP Luis Garcia

Berrios (1-2, 7.98 ERA) makes his 4 start. He has a 1.50 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 11.0 K/9 through 14 2/3 IP.

  • Finally got on track in his last start on Friday, allowing just 1 run in 5 innings with 6 K’s in a win over the Tampa Bay Rays
  • Allowed 12 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings in his first 2 starts
  • Has only walked 3 batters all season

Garcia (0-2, 7.71 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.86 WHIP, 4.5 BB/9 and 9.6 K/9 through 14 IP.

  • Has yet to go more than 5 innings in a start this season, allowing at least 3 runs in each outing so far
  • Has walked 7 batters in 14 innings
  • Has allowed 1 home run in each of his 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 12:11 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Blue Jays -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Astros -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays -1.5 (+145) | Astros +1.5 (-175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW23 for $15 OFF a Draft Prep or full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 4/30/2023. Subscribe today and start winning!

Blue Jays at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 6, Blue Jays 4

Moneyline

The Astros and Garcia are due for a better performance than what they’ve shown this season. The lineup is as good as any in MLB and they’re now going up against a pitcher in Berrios who has struggled in 2 of his 3 starts. The Blue Jays hurler has a 4.81 ERA and has given up 6 home runs in his 7 starts vs. the Astros in his career.

BET ASTROS (-105) to win outright at home.

Run line/Against the spread

The Astros are +1.5 on the run line, which is a good way to hedge a moneyline bet. However, at -175, there isn’t a lot of value in that line — even with Houston only needing to keep this one within 1 run.

However, the SPREADS: ASTROS -1.5 (+180) is a solid wager and worth consideration. All 8 of their wins this season have come by at least 2 runs and each of their last 6 wins has been by at least 4 runs.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

The total has gone Over in 6 of the Astros’ last 10 games, including 3 of the last 4. They rank 8th in total runs this season and the Blue Jays are tied for 10th, so both teams are putting runs on the board.

With a pair of struggling starters on the bump and 2 potent lineups, I like the OVER 9 (+100), especially at even money.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @camdasilva on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

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)

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW23 for $15 OFF a Draft Prep or full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 4/30/2023. Subscribe today and start winning!

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.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Skyler Carlin on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Toronto Blue Jays (8-5) head to Minute Maid Park Friday to start a 3-game set with the Houston Astros (6-6) at 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Blue Jays vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Toronto has won back-to-back series 2-1, last weekend against the Oakland Athletics and at the Boston Red Sox earlier this week.

Houston is just the opposite, dropping consecutive series 2-1, both to American League West rivals in the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels.

The Astros beat the Blue Jays 4-2 in last year’s regular-season series, outscoring Toronto 42-26.

Blue Jays at Astros: Projected starters

RHP Ross Stripling vs. RHP Justin Verlander 

Stripling (0-0, 3.00 ERA) had a no-decision April 15 in Toronto’s 4-1 win over the A’s, throwing 4-scoreless IP with 2 H, 0 BB and 3 K.

  • 2021 vs. Astros: 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA (8 2/3 IP, 4 ER), 1.96 WHIP and 7.3 K/9 across 2 starts
  • vs. Astros on the current roster: 3.45 FIP with a .286 batting average (BA), .336 wOBA, .359 expected-slugging percentage (xSLG), 18.9 K% and 87.6 mph exit velocity (EV) in 37 plate appearances (PA).

Verlander (1-1, 0.69 ERA) got his 1st win of the season Saturday, beating the Mariners 4-0 behind 8-scoreless IP with 3 H, 0 BB and 8 K.

  • vs. Blue Jays on the current roster: 3.20 FIP with a .178 BA, .247 wOBA, .312 xSLG, 38.8 K% and 87.4 mph EV in 49 PA.

Blue Jays at Astros 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 1:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Blue Jays +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Astros -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays +1.5 (-150) | Astros -1.5 (+122)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Blue Jays at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Blue Jays 2

Money line

LEAN ASTROS (-170).

Houston has a massive edge in the pitching department vs. Toronto. Verlander looks back to his dominant self after missing most of 2020 and all of 2021 with Tommy John surgery.

Furthermore, Houston’s bullpen ranks 9th in FIP and 8th in home runs allowed per nine innings. Toronto ranks 24th and 22nd in those respective categories.

The way to play the ASTROS (-170) is betting to risk 1 unit instead of betting to win 1 unit. Since Houston’s ML is so expensive and the Blue Jays should be in the division race this year, I can only LEAN ASTROS (-170).

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW22 for $15 OFF a Draft Prep or full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 4/30/2022. Subscribe today and start winning!

Run line/Against the spread

LEAN ASTROS -1.5 (+122).

The last 10 Blue Jays-Astros meetings have been decided by more than 1 run and Houston’s lineup could rake Toronto’s bullpen if Stripling doesn’t get past the 5th inning.

However, the Blue Jays are 27-17 on the RL as road underdogs since the start of last season and Houston is 39-46 RL as home favorites over that span.

Hence the LEAN ASTROS -1.5 (+122).

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 7.5 (+105).

Houston’s lineup has gotten off to a slow start in 2022 and I think Verlander gives the Astros a quality start Friday.

It’s only a LEAN to the UNDER 7.5 (+105) because betting the Under in a Verlander game isn’t exactly “sharp.”

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Toronto Blue Jays (16-14) visit Space City Friday for the first game of a three-game set with the host Houston Astros (16-15) at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Blue Jays vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Toronto won back-to-back games against the Oakland Athletics to split their four-game series after sweeping the Atlanta Braves 3-0 last weekend.

Houston prevented a three-game sweep from the New York Yankees by beating them 7-4 Thursday thanks to an eigth inning 2-run home run from birthday boy 2B Jose Altuve. The Astros are 6-4 in their last 10 games and have won three of their last four series.

RHP Ross Stripling gets the start for the Blue Jays. He is 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA (12 2/3 IP, 9 ER), 1.74 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 9.9 K/9 over 3 starts.

  • Last outing: No-decision with 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB and 4 K in Toronto’s 7-2 win over the Atlanta Braves Sunday.

RHP José Urquidy is the projected starter for the Astros. He is 2-2 with a 3.71 ERA (34 IP, 14 ER), 1.15 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 across 6 starts.

  • Last outing: Win in 7 IP with 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB and 5 K at the Tampa Bay Rays Saturday.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Blue Jays at Astros odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blue Jays +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Astros -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Blue Jays +1.5 (-160) | Astros -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under: 9 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Astros 9, Blue Jays 7

Money line (ML)

Neither starting pitcher inspires a lot of confidence in this matchup, but Houston does have a leg up and a more productive lineup that will be excited after stealing Game 3 of the prior series against the Yankees.

I think this will be a slugfest, so I only “LEAN” to the ASTROS (-145) for a quarter unit if at all.

FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition. Subscribe now!

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS because I don’t have a strong enough opinion on either side to eat the vig with Blue Jays +1.5 (-160) or chase with the Astros -1.5 (+135).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the OVER 9 (-110) for 1 unit. First, the weather forecast is predicting 10 mph winds blowing out to centerfield and each lineup has multiple guys who can go yard.

Also, both starting pitchers have a basic pitch arsenal (four-seam fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup), low spin rates, and don’t force a lot of ground balls. I like one or both of these lineups to smack around the other team’s starter.

Urquidy’s Statcast numbers indicate he has been pretty average this season while Stripling’s Statcast numbers are terrible. Stripling’s three opponents this season (Yankees, Los Angeles Angeles and Braves) have top-tier lineups.

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]