Chris Sale has looked every bit the part of a Cy Young candidate this season, something that Boston Red Sox fans should expect to continue Thursday when the team takes on the Toronto Blue Jays. Since joining the Red Sox rotation, Sale has a 1.67 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP in six starts against the Blue Jays – five of which were Boston wins.
The Jays will counter with Marco Estrada, who will be looking to put his issues with the long ball behind him. Estrada has surrendered six home runs through his first four starts this season, though five of those have come against the hard-hitting New York Yankees. He has always given up plenty of contact but his tendency to get rocked since the start of last season is a concern.
The Red Sox and Blue Jays split the first two games of the series but recent history suggests that Toronto goes out with a whimper rather than a bang. The Jays are 5-13 SU in their last 18 games closing out a series – including a middling 3-3 this season. Comparably, the Red Sox are 6-1 in their last seven close-out games.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Toronto was a +165 moneyline underdog earlier in the day at Sportsbook, based on the starting pitcher matchup. That pairing made oddsmakers at Sportsbook pick an Sportsbook OVER/UNDER number of 7.5.
OddsShark prediction models pick the Red Sox to win this game 4.3-3.9. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Toronto (14-9) will face the 18-5 Red Sox in this tilt. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Toronto vs Boston injuries news.
The MLB Power Rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Blue Jays rated this week at No. 5 and the Red Sox sitting at No. 1.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to getting on base, the visiting Boston Red Sox rank No. 1 at 9.65 hits per game. That compares with the Toronto Blue Jays' No. 22 ranking in that category.
Boston brings the No. 2-rated defense to this matchup, facing the Blue Jays' No. 10-ranked defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Boston looks to continue its winning ways following a victory last time out against the Blue Jays, a 4-3 final on Wednesday in support of Eduardo Rodriguez at Rogers Centre.
Next Betting Matchups
Boston home to Tampa Bay, Friday, April 27
Toronto home to Texas, Friday, April 27