With Rogers Centre expected to be buzzing, bettors can target Toronto's moneyline, a low-scoring game and a Guerrero Jr. bounce-back
It’s Canada Day, with the pro sports spotlight shining directly on the Toronto Raptors, with yesterday’s earth-shaking trade bringing superstar Kawhi Leonard back north, and the Toronto Maple Leafs, fresh off drafting Gavin McKenna No. 1 overall, and today shoulder-deep in NHL free agency.
It’s tough to get some attention in these parts. The Toronto Blue Jays, off a 3-0 loss to the New York Mets last night, host those same Mets today in the third game of their series, looking to take the rubber match.
The annual Canada Day game is always one to mark down on the calendar, and with today’s sunny, hot conditions, with the Rogers Centre roof open, it’s going to be a splendid scene.
As soon as NHL and NBA free agency passes, though, more of a focus will turn to the disappointing Blue Jays. Pressure is about to ratchet up.
It’s a good news, bad news scenario, that we’ve been talking about for weeks. The Blue Jays are 40-46 on the season, but they’re still just 3.5 games out of the wild card.
Toronto Blue Jays (40-46, 23-25 at home) versus New York Mets (36-50, 17-26 away). In MLB betting at Betway, the Blue Jays are slight -115 favorites, with the Mets at -105. The runline is Blue Jays +1.5 (-190) and Mets -1.5 (+140), while the total is set at 8.5 runs (Over -120, Under +100).
Braydon Fisher starts for Toronto in a bullpen game (3-3, 3.48 ERA), with Freddy Peralta going for the Dodgers (5-6, 4.53 ERA).
Blue Jays Moneyline (-115)
Fisher has the better numbers – 3.48 ERA, 1.14 WHIP – and Toronto’s at home with a lot of holiday energy behind them.
The Jays have struggled recently (lost four of their last five), while the Mets have that poor road record.
The Jays’ offence has been quiet, but Rogers Centre can play favorably for them, and Peralta is hittable.
It’s been a trying season for both teams, so bet conservatively on this one, with a small stake.
Fisher has quietly been one of the Jays’ reliable arms. Toronto’s overworked bullpen will have to cover significant innings today.
Under 8.5 Runs (+100)
Fisher’s effectiveness, the strength of Toronto’s ‘pen, Peralta’s swing and miss stuff, and general coldness of the Jays’ hitting attack impacts this pick.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1+ Total Bases (hits only) -260
News just broke that Guerrero is back in the lineup after sitting out yesterday’s game with back tightness (although George Springer will not be in the lineup today).
Bigger stakes, big crowd – Guerrero Jr. steps up with a hit. What about a home run for Guerrero Jr., who has just four on the season? +450 at Betway.
Ernie Clement Over 1+ Total Bases (hits only) -236
Clement has been money all season and is the leading All-Star game vote-getter. Betway is offering 3+ Total Bases at +330.
