Beginning their second series of the season, the Blue Jays and Rangers seem to have finally let their bygones be exactly that. Texas opened Game 1 of the series as the slight underdog and that could have something to do with how their starter tonight fared the last time he met this Blue Jays lineup.
Although he’s brand new to the majors, the Blue Jays are well familiar with Austin Bibens-Dirkx (2-0, 3.28 ERA), the Rangers’ rookie sensation. They knocked him around for three runs when he made a relief appearance against them back in May and that’s before much was known about the 32-year-old.
The Jays will counter with Marco Estrada (4-5, 4.54 ERA), another guy whom it looks like the book is out on. He’s given up 17 total earned runs over his last three starts and he’s coming off a performance in which he was banged around for 12 hits in just 3.1 innings of work. Estrada has, however, pitched strongly against the Rangers of late, allowing two runs in his last 14.1 innings against the Jays’ Texan rivals.
Setting the total for tonight at 10.5, Sportsbooks feel this game has the potential for fireworks. The Rangers have been excellent against righty pitching and possess an explosive lineup that’s on the verge of breaking out offensively.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had set the Texas Rangers as 109 underdogs on the moneyline for this contest. The over under was hovering near 11 for betting fans hoping to turn a profit on totals at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 4.7-4.6 victory for the Blue Jays. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Toronto Blue Jays vs Texas Rangers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
34-34 Texas battles the Blue Jays, currently with a 33-35 mark. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Texas vs Toronto injuries news.
The MLB Power Rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Texas Rangers rated this week at No. 16 and the Toronto Blue Jays sitting at No. 17.
Statistical Matchup
On offense, it's a battle between the Texas Rangers and its No. 9-rated batting order, averaging 4.87 runs per nine innings, against the No. 24 line up of the Toronto Blue Jays at 4.28 runs per outing.
Pitching and defensive stats are important baseball handicapping betting factors and Texas has the No. 17-ranked defense. In the other dugout, the Blue Jays own the No. 12 mark in runs allowed.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Blue Jays grabbed a win last time out, defeating J Shields and the White Sox 7-3 on Sunday at Rogers Centre.
The Rangers endured a 7-3 loss at the hands of the Mariners on Sunday, with Y Darvish throwing 5 innings of 8-hit ball at Globe Life Park.
Next Betting Matchups
Toronto at Texas, Tuesday, June 20th