The elite power pitcher, third in MLB in strikeouts, with 75, takes the mound tonight against the Yankees, who lead the league in HRs
The second game in the biggest series of the Toronto Blue Jays’ season goes tonight in the Bronx against the New York Yankees, and the Jays are looking at their pitching staff ace to turn the tide after a tough loss in Game 1.
Last night, the Yankees held on for a 7-6 win, and it was Blue Jays’ bullpen that wore the goat horns, specifically Yariel Rodriguez, looking to get his MLB career back on the rails after the team outrighted him off the 40-man roster in December. Rodriguez cleared waivers and remained in the organization, starting the season in the minors.
Rodriguez came on in the seventh inning with a two-run lead, two outs and the bases clear, then gave up two-run home runs to Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Cody Bellinger.
The Jays rallied in the ninth inning, with Jesus Sanchez (a great pickup by the Jays last spring, hitting .265, with 5 HRs and 20 HRs so far) knocking an RBI double to make it 7-6. But George Springer struck out with two men on, then Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounded out.
Tonight Jays’ staff ace Dylan Cease starts tonight, and this is exactly the type of scenario the Blue Jays had in mind when they signed the free agent right hander to a seven-year, $210 million deal this past winter.
The 30-year-old hasn’t disappointed this season so far, one of baseball’s premier power pitchers – 3-1 record, 2.41 ERA (13th in MLB), 75 SOs (3rd in MLB) and a 1.18 WHIP.
The Blue Jays season so far has been an injury-ridden disappointment, with the team at 21-26, third in the American League East, 10.5 games out of first, but just one game out of a wildcard spot.
That’s what on their minds going into tonight. The season is far from done, and the Jays have a grand opportunity to make a statement against a team they went 8-5 against last season, then took out in a memorable American League Division Series, winning three games to one.
BEST BETS
Toronto Blue Jays (21-16, 8-15 away) at New York Yankees (29-19, 15-6 at home), 7:05 p.m. EST, Yankee Stadium, Bronx
In MLB betting at Betway, the Yankees are favoured on the Moneyline, at -135, with the Blue Jays at +115. The Yankees are favoured on the run line, at -1.5 (+140), with the Blue Jays +1.5 (-190). Over/Under is 8.5 (Over -120, Under +100).
Under 8.5 (+100)
The Yankees counter with Will Warren (5-1, 3.42 ERA, 59 SOs, 1.16 WHIP).
Two elite starters go head-to-head. Warren’s pure stuff has improved, against a Jays’ team that has struggled at the plate this season (.243 team batting average, 14th in MLB, 20th in HRs, with 44).
Blue Jays ATS +1.5 (-190)
I am looking at a strong start from Cease tonight (it’s going to be warm in New York, sunny and 94 degrees at start time), plus the fact that the Blue Jays’ bullpen has two key guys, closer Louis Varland and set-up man Tyler Rogers, rested and ready to go.
The Yankees are really good this year (lead MLB in homers, with 71, 4th in team ERA, at 3.35, second in the AL East, at 29-19, three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays), but the Jays despite all the injuries that have ripped through their lineup showed they could compete. That was led by Ernie Clement’s four-RBI game.
That Jays batting average isn’t great, but it’s solid enough to punish pitcher mistakes. And I’m still convinced Guererro Jr. will have a big series. He’s 2-for-5 in his career against Warren, with one home run, four RBIs and a walk.
That’s why I also like this Guerrero prop: 3+ Total Bases (Hits Only) +240.
The Blue Jays have shown resilience this season despite those offensive struggles. I am banking on that tonight.
Dylan Cease to Get 9+ Strikeouts (+185)
The Yankees strike out a lot – eighth in MLB in total strikeouts with 424 through 48 games. It’s a tradeoff with them – they still produce power at an elite level.
If Cease gets command of his wipeout slider tonight, plus the fact he’s going to want to go out and dominate for his new team in a massive game, I can see him hitting the plus-money strikeout mark.
If you are feeling a little shy, check out Cease 7+ SOs at Betway, at -200 this morning.
