In what’s likely to be Yusei Kikuchi’s farewell start, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Texas Rangers tonight in a showdown of underperforming American League teams.
Toronto is coming off a disastrous 13-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays and will call on Kikuchi, who’s a free agent this offseason and could be on the move to a contender before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Meanwhile, Texas is riding a five-game win streak to keep Wild Card hopes — and even division hopes — very much alive. My free Rangers vs. Blue Jays predictions and MLB picks look at whether the visitors can keep rolling in this July 26 matchup.
Rangers vs Blue Jays prediction
My best bet
Both teams to score 3+ runs (-103 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
With the O/U line set at 8.5, there’s every reason to expect some offensive fireworks tonight at Rogers Centre, and I’m picking both teams to get in on the fun.
The Toronto Blue Jays have scored three or more runs in 11 of their past 14 contests, in part thanks to a spark from less-experienced hitters like Spencer Horwitz and Davis Schneider. Texas Rangers starter Andrew Heaney has pitched well this month, but I’m predicting a bounce-back performance from the Toronto bats after yesterday’s embarrassing rout.
Though the Rangers scraped their way to a 2-1 win over the Chicago White Sox yesterday, they posted 10 runs on 15 hits on Wednesday and should have some joy against Yusei Kikuchi, who’s coming off two rough starts.
Kikuchi gave up four runs in five innings of work on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers on the heels of allowing seven runs through 4 2/3 innings the prior weekend. That spells trouble for the lefty against a Texas lineup boasting Marcus Semien and Corey Seager at the top of the order.
I’m also factoring in the spike in Overs for the Blue Jays in the past six weeks. After so many offensive duds early in the season, they’ve hit the Over in 24 of their last 33 outings.
While the AL East door closed for the hosts months ago, the Rangers have everything to play for still. They’re just 2.5 games out of first place in the AL West despite lugging a 51-52 record into this weekend series.
The Toronto bullpen’s struggles have contributed to some big totals, including yesterday afternoon, and this side would still feel in play if the starters limit baserunners. I expect some scoring in the later innings, with both teams putting at least three runs on the board here.
Blue Jays star player prop
My best bet
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 0.5 RBI (+150 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to carry a heavy burden in this Toronto offense, with his batting average sitting at a healthy .296. While the Blue Jays are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline, Vladdy is surging towards a monster next contract.
He brings a six-game hit streak into tonight’s matchup and, in an admittedly tiny sample size, he’s enjoyed his at-bats against Heaney. Guerrero Jr. is 3-for-4 with a home run and a double.
I like these odds for another Vladdy RBI here — not least because he’s mashed four dingers in his last six contests.
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Rangers vs Blue Jays odds
Rangers vs Blue Jays live odds
Rangers vs Blue Jays opening odds
- Run line: Texas +1.5 | Toronto -1.5
- Moneyline: Texas +113 | Toronto -122
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Rangers vs Blue Jays spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Blue Jays have lost their past three series but get the favorites tag here despite facing Heaney and his impressive 3.60 ERA.
- Keep in mind that this Rangers revival includes a four-game sweep over the 27-78 White Sox, and that partially explains why the visitors still enter as underdogs here.
- Texas has won seven of the last 10 meetings between these teams, including the past six matchups.
- The Over is 9-1 in the Blue Jays’ past 10 outings. Texas has cashed the Under in four of its last five contests.
Rangers vs Blue Jays trend
The Rangers could be clicking just in time to salvage their season as they’ve cashed the moneyline in 12 of their past 16 games. Find more MLB betting trends for Rangers vs. Blue Jays.
Rangers vs Blue Jays game info
| Location: | Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Friday, 7-26-2024 |
| First pitch: | 7:07 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Apple TV+ |
| Rangers starting pitcher: | Andrew Heaney (4-10, 3.60 ERA) |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher: | Yusei Kikuchi (4-9, 4.54 ERA) |
Rangers vs Blue Jays latest injuries
Rangers vs Blue Jays weather
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