Two of the American League also-rans square off this afternoon as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Oakland A’s in a series decider — and a red-hot Vladimir Guerrero Jr. looks to extend his 22-game hit streak.
A Brent Rooker home run was the difference as Oakland clung on for a 1-0 win in yesterday’s matchup, backed by a terrific outing from Osvaldo Bido and the bullpen, holding Toronto to just two hits.
My A’s vs. Blue Jays predictions and MLB picks dig into the betting nuggets for this August 11 clash at Rogers Centre.
A's vs Blue Jays prediction
My best bet
Under 8.5 (-112 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
We’ve seen plenty of aggressive swings in this series so far but not much damage on the scoreboard, with the Toronto Blue Jays landing a 3-1 victory on Friday and the teams serving up just a single run yesterday.
That feels like a repeatable trend this afternoon as two solid starters head to the mound — and the Under on 8.5 total runs represents good value. That’s been a winning ticket in five of the last six meetings between these teams, and the Under is 62-52 overall for the Oakland A’s this year.
Oakland lefty JP Sears comes into this contest on the heels of back-to-back impressive starts. He’s pitched seven innings in each of his last two outings while allowing only one run in that span, and his ERA sits at 3.07 across his past five starts.
Then there’s Chris Bassitt, the former A, who’s posted a 3.95 ERA this season despite a rough stretch in July. He’s had success against Oakland, with a 2.31 ERA in five career starts, and he brought his best stuff on Tuesday against the Orioles, striking out nine batters in seven innings of work.
It’s also hard to trust these offenses. Only the Mariners and White Sox have a lower batting average and fewer hits than the A’s, while this Blue Jays lineup has blown hot and cold outside of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Toronto is still without Bo Bichette and didn’t get any hits from the bottom half of the lineup yesterday. It also doesn’t help that George Springer and Alejandro Kirk are hitting .176 and .189 respectively against lefties this year.
This series rubber match has the feel of a pitcher's duel, with both teams struggling to cash in baserunners. I'm riding with the Under.
Blue Jays star player prop
My best bet
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 0.5 RBI (+145 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
Who else? Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s numbers this month are borderline ridiculous, with a .520 batting average and six RBI so far in August, somehow improving on his sublime .358 mark in July.
Rediscovering the form that made him one of the best hitters in the game, Vladdy is putting together a stunning stretch of at-bats just as contract extension talks heat up — and that contract number is climbing with every passing week.
He’s up to fourth in the majors with his .322 average and I’m counting on him to carry the Toronto offense once again this afternoon, pushing his hit streak to 23 games.
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A's vs Blue Jays odds
A's vs Blue Jays live odds
A's vs Blue Jays opening odds
- Run line: Oakland +1.5 (-160) | Toronto -1.5 (+135)
- Moneyline: Oakland +125 | Toronto -150
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
A's vs Blue Jays spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Blue Jays are clear favorites this afternoon, with a chance to get back to a .500 record at home this season, and they’re 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between these teams.
- Still, the A’s have won four of Sears’ past five starts, they’re 19-13 in their last 32 games, and they’ve covered the run line in 20 of their past 32 outings.
- Oakland has served up five straight Unders, and the visitors haven’t scored more than three runs in any of their past six games.
- The team total Under is 63-53 in Toronto’s last 116 games.
A's vs Blue Jays trend
The A’s have stayed Under their first-five team total in 34 of their last 56 road games. Find more MLB betting trends for A's vs. Blue Jays.
A's vs Blue Jays game info
| Location: | Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Sunday, 8-11-2024 |
| First pitch: | 1:37 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCS-California, Sportsnet |
| A's starting pitcher: | JP Sears (8-8, 4.53 ERA) |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher: | Chris Bassitt (8-10, 4.02 ERA) |
A's vs Blue Jays latest injuries
A's vs Blue Jays weather
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