Orioles vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Toronto Will Inch Closer to the Postseason
By Thomas Snodgrass
The Toronto Blue Jays are tied with the Seattle Mariners in the AL Wild Card race, just one game back of the Boston Red Sox, but can the Baltimore Orioles (38 games back in the AL Wild Card) spoil the Blue Jays’ chances?
Not many pitchers will be seen as an “Ace” for a 52-win baseball team, but left-handed pitcher John Means (6-8, 3.32 ERA) is just that for the Orioles, an Ace.
Means will get the start today in Toronto and has pitched well in away games, posting a 2.27 ERA in road games compared to a 4.62 ERA at home in Camden Yards. Today’s start will be Means first (and last) appearance against the division rival Blue Jays.
Toronto has some really big bats in their lineup, but the starting rotation may be the most dependable part of this team.
Right-handed pitcher Alek Manoah (8-2, 3.35 ERA) takes the hill today against a Baltimore team he has pitched well against in 2021, allowing just a .222 average in two starts against the O’s.
Here are the odds for this AL East matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.
Orioles vs. Blue Jays Odds
Moneyline:
Orioles +210
Blue Jays -250
Run Line:
Orioles +1.5 (+105)
Blue Jays -1.5 (-125)
Total:
8.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Orioles vs. Blue Jays Prediction
Means has not pitched to the Blue Jays yet this season, and the lefty will have to dodge a lot of right-handed sluggers in Toronto’s lineup. One bat that worries me for Means is Teoscar Hernandez, who is batting .365 against lefties in 2021.
Means has pitched well lately, with an ERA of 3.02 in his last seven starts, but this Blue Jays lineup is too loaded for whatever pitcher Brandon Hyde brings in to relieve him.
The Blue Jays should pick up their 90th win today and gain ground in the Wild Card standings.
I'm taking Toronto on the run line at -1.5 (-125).
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