The bad blood between the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers is well known – and it will never die thanks to the forever-living GIF of Rougned Odor punching Jose Bautista. The Jays, who swept the Rangers in last season’s ALDS, are expected to welcome back the left side of their infield with Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki returning to the lineup for the first time in over a month when the series starts Friday.
Mike Bolsinger will get the start in the series opener for the Jays and will be in search of his first win of the season. The righty has struggled this season with a 6.32 ERA, a 1.89 WHIP and a 12/11 K/BB ratio. Bolsinger has looked downright terrible against right-handed batters, as he has allowed them to hit .414 compared to a paltry .156 against LHB.
Much like the Jays, the Rangers are getting a boost with pitcher AJ Griffin coming off the DL for the start in this one. Griffin looked solid, if underwhelming so far this season, but got thumped in his last start before heading to the DL by allowing nine runs and four home runs in just 3.1 innings. The right-hander has gotten more run support than any other pitcher in baseball with at least five starts.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Those going with the Toronto Blue Jays in this one found them listed on the odds board as moneyline favorites of -124 at Sportsbook for Friday's contest. The betting total was hovering near 9.5 at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark prediction models pick the Blue Jays to win this game 5.9-2.8. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Texas Rangers vs Toronto Blue Jays Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
21-26 Toronto battles the Rangers, currently with a 24-24 mark. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Toronto vs Texas injuries news.
The Toronto Blue Jays vs Texas Rangers odds would favor the Rangers if the betting lines were set according to our power ranks. Toronto is rated No. 14 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Texas is at No. 9.
Statistical Matchup
Scoring stats point to some edges in this matchup. The game features the Toronto Blue Jays No. 24-ranked scoring average of 4.21 runs per game, against a Texas Rangers offense rated No. 13 and scoring 4.73 runs per game. The Blue Jays have averaged 8.17 hits per game to date this season, more than the Rangers hitters have managed (7.83 per nine innings).
Toronto owns the No. 13 defense, allowing 4.21 men per game to cross the plate. That contrasts with Texas's No. 15-rated defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Texas looks to awaken their bats in this one, after they were struck out 11 times by D Pomeranz in their last outing, a 6-2 setback against Boston at Fenway Park.
The Blue Jays enjoyed a 8-4 victory at the expense of the Brewers on Wednesday, with M Stroman throwing 5.2 innings of 4-hit ball at Miller Park.
Next Betting Matchups
Texas at Toronto, Saturday, May 27th