The Toronto Blue Jays continued their recent dominance over the Los Angeles Angels after winning the opener of their four-game series at the Rogers Centre, extending their win streak against the Halos to four games.
With the Jays listed as big favorites, our Angels vs. Blue Jays predictions pivot to the total, where we expect plenty of runs.
Find out more in my MLB picks for Friday, August 23.
Angels vs Blue Jays prediction
My best bet
Over 8.5 (-122 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
Well, I will say this. Laying a -200 moneyline bet with Toronto Blue Jays means you are sweating the second the ticket is placed, even with Chris Bassitt on the mound.
So, instead, let’s turn our attention back to the total. I took the Over 8.5 yesterday and we were looking good early with the Blue Jays holding a 5-0 lead after two innings. But then something weird happened and the game remained scoreless until the top of the ninth when the Los Angeles Angels tacked three runs onto the scoreboard.
But that’s not scaring me off from the Over in tonight’s matchup, particularly with the pitching matchup that will be on display.
Yes, Bassitt has arguably been the Blue Jays' most effective pitcher this season, but that kind of tells you where the Blue Jays are at this season.
The veteran right-hander has a 6.91 ERA while surrendering a .871 OPS over his last eight starts. For the season, his expected ERA and expected opponent batting average rank in the 33rd and 30th percentiles, respectively. So, putting it simply, Bassitt has been a below-average pitcher in 2024.
Bassitt has also been inefficient lately completing five innings or fewer six times during this eight-start stretch. Then he hands the ball off to one of the worst bullpens in baseball that ranks next-to-last in ERA.
While the Angels do not have great numbers against right-handers, Bassitt has battled his consistency and another short outing means extended innings against a bad Jays bullpen. They should produce a few runs here.
Meanwhile, the Jays haven’t had much trouble scoring against the Angels. They have plated 24 runs in the four meetings against the Halos dating back to August 12.
The Jays lineup, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., has come around just in general. They rank 12th in batting average, 10th in OPS, and ninth in wRC+ since coming out of the All-Star break. That, combined with some bad pitching, has resulted in the Over going 21-10 in Blue Jays games in the second half.
Tonight, the Toronto bats will face off against Angels rookie Jack Kochanowicz, who is making just his fifth career start.
The Angels prospect has had some mixed results in the big leagues so far, but he is pitching to a 6.76 xERA and surrendering a 312 xBA to opposing batters. If he qualified, those would both rank in the Bottom 5% among MLB pitchers.
The Blue Jays will do the heavy lifting here and help send this game Over the number.
Blue Jays star player prop
My best bet
Daulton Varsho Over 0.5 RBI (+150 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
Daulton Varsho extended his hitting streak to seven games by whacking a double in last night’s win and while he hasn’t driven in a run the last couple of games I like the odds he does so tonight.
Varsho was moved to the No. 2 hole in the Blue Jays lineup earlier this month and it seems to be paying off. Varsho is hitting .333 with a .942 OPS during this seven-game hitting streak. That includes four extra-base hits (grabbing the Over on Varsho’s total bases wouldn’t be a bad idea either).
The other thing to like about this is that the kids at the bottom of the Blue Jays order like Will Wagner and Joey Loperfido have been seeing the ball well. Meaning guys have been on base when the Blue Jays turn the lineup over.
With the Jays getting a good matchup against Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz, I like that to ring true tonight. Not to mention, with the Over 0.5 RBI for Varsho being priced at +150, our Covers Prop Projections have it listed as a five-star play.
Ontario sports bettors: Play the Jays your way with PROLINE+
Ontario-owned and operated, PROLINE+ has a robust market offering at its disposal and reinvests 100% of its profits back into the province — join today!
Angels vs Blue Jays odds
Angels vs Blue Jays live odds
Angels vs Blue Jays opening odds
- Moneyline: Los Angeles +160 | Toronto -190
- Run line: Los Angeles +1.5 -120 | Toronto -1.5 +100
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Angels vs Blue Jays moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Blue Jays opened this AL matchup as sizeable -190 home favorites and Toronto has seen the early action with the line as high as -225 at some shops.
- The Blue Jays dominating this matchup this season (4-0 +16 run differential) and the big edge in starting pitching is likely the cause of this line move.
- The total hit the board at 8.5 but some 9.0s have started to hit the board as of early Friday afternoon.
- With that line move it feels like the Over is the right side to back tonight, so go jump on an 8.5 while you still can.
Angels vs Blue Jays trend
The Blue Jays have hit the Game Total Over in 40 of their last 61 games for +19.25 Units and a 29% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Angels vs. Blue Jays.
Angels vs Blue Jays game info
| Location: | Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Friday, 8-23-2024 |
| First pitch: | 7:07 p.m. ET |
| TV: | BSW, Sportsnet |
| Angels starting pitcher: | Jack Kochanowicz (1-3, 6.53 ERA) |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher: | Chris Bassitt (9-12, 4.34 ERA) |
Angels vs Blue Jays latest injuries
Angels vs Blue Jays weather
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
