The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the middle of an eye-catching NL Wild Card push and they’re well placed to complete a sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon.
Toronto is a clear underdog in the latest MLB odds, and my Blue Jays vs. Diamondbacks predictions and MLB picks weigh up the key betting angles for this July 14 matchup.
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks prediction
My best bet
Diamondbacks first-five -0.5 (-106 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
The Arizona Diamondbacks piled on the pain last night for a Toronto Blue Jays team limping toward the trade deadline with some big questions to answer. Corbin Carroll led the way with two dingers as one of six Arizona players with multi-hit games.
The hosts have now won four in a row and I see them riding a strong start for another victory today, with the odds for the first-five run line providing the most value.
While this pick takes the Blue Jays’ shaky bullpen out of the equation, I trust the D-backs to create just enough opportunities against Kikuchi to outscore an inconsistent Toronto lineup, especially with Gallen posting a 2.00 ERA in his last five starts.
The formbook certainly points to Arizona finishing off the sweep here. The D-backs have covered the run line in 20 of their last 31 games and they’ve won 24 of their last 39 contests. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have stayed Under their first-five team total in 21 of their past 30 road games.
The D-backs are 4-2 on this current homestand and they’ve claimed a first-five lead in their last three games. Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. are primed to shine against their former team — and there just aren’t as many reliable hitters in the visitors’ offense. Keep in mind that Arizona ranks third in the majors in runs this year (475) and tied for seventh in hits (824).
I expect some lineup changes for the Blue Jays, with Justin Turner posting a 0-for-8 line in this series and struggling in prior meetings against Gallen. With the exception of George Springer, the rest of the Toronto hitters haven’t seen much of the D-backs pitcher and that could contribute to a sluggish start.
The Blue Jays arrived in Arizona after back-to-back series wins on this West Coast road trip, but that optimism has been short-lived. Toronto was held to just five hits last night and faces an uphill battle today.
Blue Jays star player prop
My best bet
Yusei Kikuchi Over 5.5 strikeouts (-111 at PROLINE+)
Some rough outings in June saw Kikuchi post an ugly 6.26 ERA last month, but he’s rebounded impressively in his two July starts, including a 13-strikeout masterpiece on Tuesday against the Giants.
While I don’t expect Kikuchi to hit those same heights today against an in-form Arizona lineup, he’s had seven or more Ks in three of his last five appearances while only walking four batters in that span. Even if the hosts build a lead, the lefty has a path to enough innings to record six strikeouts.
Plus, in a small sample size, Kikuchi — one of the Blue Jays who could be moved at the deadline — has fared well against this Diamondbacks lineup, recording 10 strikeouts across 36 at-bats.
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!
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks odds
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks live odds
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks opening odds
- Run line: Toronto +1.5 (-155) | Arizona -1.5 (+130)
- Moneyline: Toronto +125 | Arizona -150
- Over/Under: Over 8 | Under 8
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks spread and Over/Under analysis
- With a 7-3 mark in their last 10 games, the Diamondbacks are -154 favorites today and have looked the more complete team so far in this series.
- The Blue Jays are 22-28 on the road this season and they’ve lost in Kikuchi’s last five starts.
- The Over is 8-1-1 in Arizona’s past 10 games and 36-21 in their last 57 contests.
- Toronto is a Bottom-5 team in hits and home runs while hitting .235, but the Over is 7-3 in the visitors’ last 10 matchups.
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks trend
Despite season-long offensive woes, Toronto has cashed in the Over in 18 of its past 25 games. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Diamondbacks
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks game info
| Location: | Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ |
| Date: | Sunday, 7-14-2024 |
| First pitch: | 4:10 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, ARID |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher: | Yusei Kikuchi (4-8, 4.12 ERA) |
| Diamondbacks starting pitcher: | Zac Gallen (6-4, 3.06 ERA) |
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks latest injuries
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks weather
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
