The Tampa Bay Rays (79-62) are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays (80-62) for the third game of a 5-game series Wednesday. First pitch from the Rogers Centre is at 7:07 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rays vs. Blue Jays odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Rays lead 7-6
The Rays have now lost 4 of their last 5 outings after starting September with 6 wins in their first 7 games. Tampa Bay split a doubleheader with Toronto Tuesday, taking the opener 4-2 and losing the nightcap 7-2. They lost Game 2 despite RHP Yonny Chirinos limiting the Blue Jays to 0 runs in the 4 innings he pitched to begin the game.
The Blue Jays have had a nice September thus far with 10 wins in their 13 games. Toronto has had a 5-game win streak and a 3-game win streak in just the first two weeks of the month.
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Rays at Blue Jays projected starters
RHP Drew Rasmussen vs. RHP Ross Stripling
Rasmussen (10-4, 2.57 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 1.04 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 through 122 2/3 IP.
- Has recorded a win in 4 of his last 5 starts
- Aug. 2 vs. Blue Jays: 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB and 3 K
Stripling (7-4, 3.03 ERA) makes his 21st start and 29th appearance. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 through 113 IP.
- Has struck out at least 4 batters in 8 of his last 9 starts
- July 3 vs. Rays: 4 2/3 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB and 3 K
Rays at Blue Jays odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:42 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Rays +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Blue Jays -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+170) | Blue Jays +1.5 (-210)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -102 | U: -122)
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Rays at Blue Jays picks and predictions
Prediction
Rays 4, Blue Jays 3
Money line
Many people are likely going to be on the Blue Jays, but RAYS (+100) is where I’m going in this AL East showdown. Tampa Bay’s projected lineup has gone a solid 24-for-75 against Stripling in their careers and Rasmussen has been fantastic recently. The Rays’ righty has allowed more than 2 runs just once in his last 12 starts.
The Rays are also 4-2 against the Blue Jays in their last 6 meetings in Toronto.
Run line/Against the spread
I’ll PASS on the spread in this contest due to the Rays having the -1.5 line despite being the money line underdogs. Considering that I believe Tampa Bay could score a couple of runs against Stripling, I’d be willing to sprinkle a little bit on RAYS -0.5 FIRST 5 INNINGS (+130) instead of wagering on the full-game spread.
Over/Under
UNDER 7.5 RUNS (-122) is the move in this game with both Rasmussen and Stripling having had success on the mound recently. Besides both pitchers limiting runs from opposing teams in their recent starts, the Rays and Blue Jays have failed to score more than 6 runs in 4 of their last 5 meetings.
The Under is 6-0 in Rasmussen’s last 6 starts when Tampa Bay’s opponent has allowed 2 or fewer runs in their previous game.
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