The Toronto Blue Jays (85-66) and Tampa Bay Rays (93-59) play the finale of a three-game set at Tropicana Field Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze the lines around the Blue Jays vs. Rays odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Blue Jays RHP Julian Merryweather (0-1, 4.91 ERA) makes his first start in his ninth appearance of the season. He has allowed 4 earned runs on 5 hits and 3 walks with 7 strikeouts over 7 1/3 innings.
- Has made four appearances since returning from the injured list Sept. 10. Didn’t complete more than 1 inning in any of those relief outings.
- Allowed 6 ER over 13 IP in the big leagues with Toronto last year.
Rays RHP Luis Patino (4-3, 4.73 ERA) enters his 15th start and 17th appearance with a 1.35 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 8.8 K/9.
- Matched a season-high with 6 IP Friday against the Detroit Tigers but allowed 4 ER on 6 H and 1 BB with 4 K.
- Has allowed nine baserunners and 5 ER across 8 IP against Toronto this season.
Blue Jays at Rays odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Blue Jays +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Rays -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Blue Jays +1.5 (-190) | Rays -1.5 (+155)
- Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)
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Prediction
Blue Jays 6, Rays 4
Money line (ML)
The BLUE JAYS (+105) are a strong play for the series win in the finale. While there is plenty of risk with Merryweather on the bump, subbing for the injured LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu, I don’t trust Patino for the Rays, either.
The Blue Jays are 10-1 in their last 11 in Game 3 of a series and 10-2 in their last 12 road games.
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
BLUE JAYS +1.5 (-190) is worth a play if you don’t quite feel the visitors straight up in this series finale. While Tropicana Field has been a house of horrors for the Jays over the years, they won Tuesday’s game, and they can achieve a series win against the mediocre Patino.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 8.5 (-130) is a good play with Merryweather and Patino putting up just so-so numbers lately. The offense will certainly outpace the pitching in this potential playoff matchup.
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