Blue Jays vs. Guardians Prediction and Odds for Sunday, May 8 (Alek Manoah is Money for Toronto)

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah is off to a blistering start in 2022, going 4-0 with a 1.45 ERA in five starts.
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah is off to a blistering start in 2022, going 4-0 with a 1.45 ERA in five starts. / Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

The Cleveland Guardians look to take three of four from the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon at Progressive Field, but it will be a fairly substantial home upset for Cleveland to pull it off.

Alek Manoah takes the bump for the Blue Jays today, as the former top prospect has been red-hot to start his 2022 campaign. He's opposed by left-hander Konnor Pilkington, who has not made a start this year; coming out of the bullpen three times this season and pitching just five total innings.

Can the Cleveland bullpen hold up against one of the best pitchers in the American League at home?

Here are the odds for the finale in Cleveland over at WynnBET Sportsbook.

Blue Jays vs. Guardians Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

  • Blue Jays -1.5 (-120)
  • Guardians +1.5 (+100)

Moneyline:

  • Blue Jays -187
  • Guardians +172

Total:

  • 7.5 (OVER +100 | UNDER -120)

Blue Jays vs. Guardians Prediction and Pick

At first glance, the auto-pick in my head leans towards taking Toronto on the run line as they ride their one of their top starters to even the series.

However, the Blue Jays have a knack for playing in a lot of one-run games particularly in the last week. Since last Saturday, Toronto has played eight games; five of which have been of the one-run variety.

To Pilkington's credit, he's been very solid in his limited appearances so far this year. Through five innings, he is yet to allow a run while striking out five. As the Guardians look to mix and match matchups against a dangerous Blue Jays' lineup, having the advantage of not having anyone go more than two times through the lineup does provide an advantage to their staff.

Manoah should be a lock for a quality start, but I'm also backing on Cleveland to get through on getaway day and keep the Blue Jays' bats at bay.

LEAN: UNDER 7.5 (-120)


Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting plays in real-time HERE