Rays vs. Blue Jays Game 2 Prediction and Odds for Saturday, July 2 (Showcase of Cy Young Contenders in Store)

Two of the American League's top Cy Young contenders square off in Toronto tonight as Shane McClanahan battles Kevin Gausman in Game 2 of a double-header scheduled for 6:07 PM EST.

McClanahan, +300 to win AL Cy Young at WynnBET Sportsbook, has allowed two or fewer runs in 10 consecutive starts en route to an 8-3 record and 1.77 ERA.

Gausman (+1300) hasn't been as impressive, but still sports a 2.93 ERA and surrendered just two home runs all season. He's coming off seven shutout innings against the Red Sox and may have turned a corner after a disappointing June.

Which elite pitcher has the advantage? Can McClanahan's dominance continue against an incredible Toronto lineup or will Gausman take advantage of the slumping Rays?

Let's check out the odds from WynnBET to answer those questions for this Rays vs Blue Jays matchup:

Rays vs Blue Jays Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

• Rays -1.5 (+200)
• Blue Jays +1.5 (-250)

Moneyline:

• Rays TBD
• Blue Jays TBD

Total:

• 9 (Over -125/Under +105)

Rays vs Blue Jays Prediction and Pick

Shane McClanahan would be my pick to win AL Cy Young is the season ended today, and frankly I don't think it's close. He has a truly absurd 1.26 ERA over the last two months as the Rays are 8-2 in his starts during that span.

McClanahan is straight embarrassing hitters, allowing only 19 hits in 33 innings during June. His MLB Statcast Pitching Profile is a thing of beauty too:

While McClanahan's 2.33 expected ERA easily leads MLB, Kevin Gausman's 3.37 expected ERA shows how he's not quite been the same dominant guy he was last season. The Blue Jays are 1-4 in his last five starts, and his MLB Statcast Pitching Profile is merely good, not great:

The problem for Tampa Bay, however, is their slumping lineup. They're 28th in OPS against right-handed pitchers this year while Toronto ranks third. Due to that poor offense, the Rays are 2-8 in their last 10 on the road.

Thus, I think we're in for a low-scoring contest. I'll back McClanahan despite the Rays' struggles, but I expect this one to be tight. The under is 5-2 in his last seven starts and 6-2 in Tampa's last eight on the road. Both trends should continue as each starter tries to show they're the superior pitcher.

Pick: Rays ML / UNDER 9 (+105)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.