Rays vs Blue Jays Preview & Pick May 17

Blue Jays vs Rays Preview & Expert Picks Tonight: Bet The Runs

We've got ourselves an AL East showdown between the Blue Jays and Rays this weekend.

Both teams are sitting at least six games back of the division lead, with Baltimore and New York starting to run away with it. So, neither Toronto or Tampa can afford many losses.

Check out my Blue Jays vs Rays preview and MLB expert picks for May 17th below:

[mlb_jays_vs_rays_may_17th:BET99-2374158]

Blue Jays vs Rays Computer Pick & Game Odds

Jays vs Rays Odds - May 17th
TeamMoneylineSpreadTotal
Rays+150+1.5 (-140)O8.5 (Even)
Blue Jays-175-1.5 (+120)U8.5 (-120)

Jays vs Rays Computer Pick: Rays moneyline, Over 8.5 runs

I like where the computer is going for this one. Frankly, I'm going to be backing the exact same two selections. Read my breakdowns below to find out why.

Jays vs Rays Notable Players To Watch

SP Chris Bassitt: Bassitt has pitched quality starts in each of his last two games and half his outings so far this season. However, his lone start against the Rays this season resulted in five runs (four earned) in 5.0 innings pitched.

OF Randy Arozarena: The Rays outfielder has dominated against Bassitt in his career, posting a .455 average and 1.364 OPS against Bassitt. But, Randy enters this game on a cold streak, hitting just .159 on the season with five strikeouts in his last three games.

Blue Jays vs Rays Preview & Expert Pick — Over 8.5 Runs (+100)

Neither Toronto or Tampa are a hitting powerhouse this year, but when they get together the ball flies.

Eight of the last nine meetings between Toronto and Tampa have gone over 10 total runs, let alone 8.5. Earlier this season, the teams played a three-game set that had 27 total runs.

Tonight's pitching matchup in particular gives me confidence in an over. In two of his last three meetings against these Rays, Bassitt has allowed at least five runs. On the Tampa side, Rays starter Tyler Alexander has allowed a .284 average and .944 OPS to current Blue Jays hitters, and let up five runs in five innings against Toronto earlier this season.

It also helps that the Rays and Jays are both bottom-six in the league in current bullpen ERA, so we could get a few late runs to push us over 8.5, too.

[mlb_jays_vs_rays_may_17th:BET99-2374158]

Jays vs Rays Preview & Expert Pick No. 2 — Rays Moneyline (+150)

Honestly, this pick is all about the line for me. The Rays have won three of their last four games (six of their last 10) and sit three wins ahead of the Jays in the standings. Yet, they're significant dogs tonight? If you're giving me +150 on the Rays against Toronto, that's an easy bet for me.

I understand Tyler Alexander hasn't pitched very well against these Blue Jays, but the Rays always seem to find a way against Toronto. In the last six years, the Rays are 64-41 against Toronto.

As well, Bassitt has faced the Rays three times since signing with the Blue Jays last year, and Toronto's lost two of those matchups.

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