Those expecting fireworks in Game 1 of this series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox were left disappointed as pitching took over in an eventual 2-1 BoSox victory on Tuesday night.
So, will the big bats for both teams bounce back in Game 2, or will starters Jose Berrios and Nick Pivetta have the upper hand once again in this American League East battle?
Find out in our free MLB betting picks and predictions for Blue Jays vs. Red Sox on Wednesday, April 20.
Blue Jays vs Red Sox odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
With their No. 1 starter on the bump, the Blue Jays opened this AL East matchup as about a -140 road favorite. But it’s the Red Sox seeing the early money, moving the Jays down to -120. The total hit the board at 9.5 and has been bet down to 9.0.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until kickoff and be sure to check out the full MLB odds before placing your bets.
Blue Jays vs Red Sox predictions
Picks made on 4/20/2022 at 2:40 p.m. ET.
Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.
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Blue Jays vs Red Sox game info
• Location: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
• Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2022
• First pitch: 7:10 p.m. ET
• TV: MLB Network
Blue Jays vs Red Sox betting preview
Starting pitchers
Jose Berrios (0-0, 11.81 ERA): Berrios responded to his awful Opening-Day performance by grinding through five innings against the Yankees, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out five on 80 pitches. The righty will look to build on that momentum and pitch count, against the Red Sox.
Nick Pivetta (0-2, 9.39 ERA): Pivetta has struggled early on after a solid 2021 season with the Red Sox. The right-handed pitcher has surrendered four runs in both of his first two starts, getting hit hard in the process. He also has nearly as many walks (five), as strikeouts (six).
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our MLB weather info.
Key injuries
Blue Jays: Teoscar Hernandez OF (Out), Danny Jansen C (Out).
Red Sox: Christian Vazquez C (Out).
Find our latest MLB injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Red Sox are 0-6 in their last six games dating back to last season when Nick Pivetta is listed as an underdog. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Red Sox.
Blue Jays vs Red Sox picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Moneyline analysis
The Red Sox struck first in this three-game series, taking the opener 2-1 thanks to a solid game from Nathan Eovaldi and the Boston bullpen (and an awful night from Bo Bichette in the field). But will Nick Pivetta be able to emulate that performance?
As noted, Pivetta is off to a tough start this season. He has allowed eight runs on nine hits, including three dingers in just 7 2-3 innings of work. And while the Blue Jays aren’t swatting baseballs like they can at the moment, it doesn’t mean they can’t erupt at any time.
Even though it appears the Jays have been struggling at the dish a bit lately, they still rank seventh in OPS overall this season and rank sixth in OPS when facing right-handed pitching — despite a righty-heavy lineup and struggling with runners in scoring position.
They also hammered Pivetta last season. The right-hander made five starts against the Jays and they hit .336 with a .850 OPS off him, resulting in a 5.93 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP.
Countering Pivetta is Berrios, who is looking to build off a better start against the Yankees after a horrendous showing on Opening Day. The right hander has made two starts against Boston, with the first matchup in a Twins uniform where he allowed four runs on four hits over 4 1-3 innings.
But in his next start against them as a member of the Jays, he shut them down, limiting them to one run on five hits over six innings. The Red Sox offense also seemingly hasn’t found its timing yet but ranks 19th in OPS when facing right-handed pitching this season.
The lineups and bullpens are close to a push in this AL East matchup but the Jays should have the edge in starters, so we’ll lean towards them as small favorites
Prediction: Blue Jays (-118 at FanDuel)
Over/Under analysis
While the early money in this matchup has moved the line down a half run, that’s low enough that we’re going to consider leaning the other way.
As noted, despite not hitting well with runners in scoring position, the Jays make up for that by leading the MLB in home runs. And last season they ranked third with an .811 OPS with runners in scoring position so that will even out eventually.
Maybe it will be tonight because of how well they saw the ball out of Pivetta’s hand last season and the fact opponent’s have an expected batting average of .430 off his fastball so far this year.
Additionally, Berrios hasn’t exactly had his best stuff so far. Opponents have a .344 expected batting average off the righty this season and this is one of the more talented lineups in the American League that he is facing tonight.
While both bullpens are quietly solid, the starters should give up enough here to send this one Over the total.
Prediction: Over 9 (-110 at DraftKings)
Best bet
It’s not surprising that several Blue Jays have solid numbers against the Pivetta in their careers — what's surprising is that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. isn’t one of them. I mean, .286 and a home run is OK, but definitely not up to Vladdy standards.
So, we turn our attention to Jays' leadoff man George Springer for this one. The centerfielder has gotten his 2022 campaign off to a solid start, hitting .267 with a .801 OPS. Springer has hits in seven of the 10 games he has started and has gone Over 1.5 total bases in five of them.
Due to injuries last year, Springer only got seven at-bats against Pivetta. But he made the most of them, going 4-for-7 with two doubles and three walks. He looks like a great bet to go Over his total bases prop tonight.
Pick: George Springer Over 1.5 total bases (+105)
