The Texas Rangers may own the best record in the American League, but they were only 3-7 against the Toronto Blue Jays last season as they begin a four-game series with Toronto on Monday.
Texas will send Colby Lewis (1-2, 5.82) to the mound today, while Toronto counters with Kyle Drabek (1-0, 3.00). Lewis allowed four runs on five hits in five innings in a loss to the Angels in his last start, while Drabek picked up a no decision against the Yankees last time out after giving up four runs on six hits in 5 1-3 innings.
View Toronto vs Texas Odds and Stats.
Betting Line:
The Blue Jays were listed as +-155 underdogs on the baseball moneyline at many online sportsbooks. The total was set at 9 before betting started earlier on Monday.
How They Match Up:
Offensively, the game matches up Texas' No. 2 ranked American League offense (5.3 runs per game) against a Blue Jays defense and pitching staff that sits at No. 7 in the American League at 4.5 runs allowed per game. The Rangers have been averaging 8.8 hits per game, more than the Blue Jays have managed so far this season (8.4 hits on average).
Defensively, Toronto features the American League's No. 11-rated defense on the road, allowing 5.2 runs per game. Texas, meanwhile, comes in at No. 1 in the American League at home, scoring 6.3 runs per game.
Toronto lost its last outing, a 2-0 result against the Rays on April 24. Bettors who backed the Rays at +125 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (2) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window. Ricky Romero did his job in a losing cause last time out against Tampa Bay, striking out 10 in a 2-0 loss on Sunday at Rogers Centre.
Texas won its last outing, an 8-7 result against the Royals on April 24. Bettors who backed the Rangers at -200 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (15) sent OVER bettors to the payout window. Texas hopes solid pitching and defense that led to their last victory - a 10-strikeout performance from C.J. Wilson - will prevaiil again after their 8-7 victory against Kansas City at Rangers Ballpark.
Toronto Blue Jays Trends:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Texas are 7-3
After playing Tampa Bay are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Texas Rangers Trends:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Toronto are 4-6
After playing Kansas City are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few Blue Jays at Rangers trends to consider:
Toronto is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Texas
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas' last 6 games when playing Toronto
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Next up:
Toronto at Texas, Tuesday, April 26
