Blue Jays vs Guardians Betting Odds: Ryu Favored in Series Opener

The MLB schedule has the Toronto Blue Jays visit the slumping Cleveland Guardians for three games, beginning Monday night. The MLB standings show the Blue Jays are currently holding onto the third wild card spot in the American League. The Guardians have dropped two straight and now trail the Twins by 4.0 games in the AL Central. The Blue Jays vs Guardians betting odds have Hyun Jin Ryu -134 over Cleveland’s Gavin Williams in the series’ first game. The total is 8.5 flat.

This will be Ryu’s second start of the season, and he wasn’t too impressive in his season debut, allowing nine hits and four runs in five innings. It was his first start so that he can be forgiven. But if the Blue Jays want to grab a playoff spot, they can’t give him too long to things sorted out.

The MLB team stats show the Blue Jays are No. 5 in team batting, but No. 13 in runs scored. Toronto is tied for No. 14 in home runs. The Blue Jays have gotten decent pitching and are No. 4 in team ERA. Toronto is 39 of 52 in save opportunities.

Williams hasn’t pitched badly for Cleveland. He’s 1-3 with a 3.38 ERA in eight starts for the Guardians. Cleveland is 5-3 when he starts. The problem for Williams has been the problem that has plagued Cleveland all season, scoring. Two of his losses have come by 2-0 scores. He also lost 4-2.

Cleveland’s scoring woes are pretty evident. The Guardians are No. 26 in scoring and last in home runs. The Guardians have gotten decent pitching this season, ranking No. 6 in team ERA. But the lack of runs has hurt the team all season. The Guardians are 41-15 when they score at least four runs in a game.

Monday’s Game

The question is whether Ryu deserves to be favored in this game. There’s no question the Blue Jays are a better offensive team. But Williams is no slouch on the mound. If Ryu struggles again, Cleveland could generate enough offense to snag a victory. It’s not unreasonable to expect Ryu to improve a little on his first start, so the under is probably the way to go in this game.

Tuesday’s Game

Yusei Kikuchi and Tanner Bibee are the scheduled starters in Tuesday’s game. Both have pitched well this season, but the Blue Jays vs Guardians betting odds should have Toronto as slight favorites. Kikuchi is 9-3 with a 3.67 ERA. The Blue Jays have gone 15-7 in the game Kikuchi has started. Toronto is 9-11-2 in totals.

Bibee is 7-2 with a 3.14 ERA, but the Guardians are just 9-8 when he takes the mound. At home, Cleveland is 6-2 when Bibee starts and 1-7 in totals. The number is going to come low, but the under does make a bit of sense in this one. Cleveland has seen a high of eight runs in any of the games Bibee has started at home. The total is going to be 8 or 8.5 and the under is definitely worth a stab here.

Wednesday Game

Kevin Gausman and Logan Allen are the scheduled starters for the series finale. The Blue Jays vs Guardians betting will have Gausman as the favorite in this one. Gausman is 8-6 with a 3.20 ERA. The Blue Jays are just 11-11 when Gausman starts and have dropped five of his last six outings. He hasn’t pitched badly, with a 3.66 ERA over his previous seven starts. Gausman has pitched a little better at home this season.

Allen is 5-4 with a 3.65 ERA, while the Guardians are 11-5 when he takes the mound. Cleveland is 6-10 in totals when Allen takes the mound.

Gausman is a bigger name on the mound, but it’s hard to argue with the success Allen has had. The Guardians should go off at a fair price here, and believe Cleveland will offer the best value of the two teams.

For MLB betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Mariners vs D’Backs Preview: Can Arizona Rebound From Poor Second Half Start?
• Yankees vs Orioles Preview: Judge Dawns Robe, Leaves Bench for Lineup
• Brewers vs Braves Betting Game Preview: Atlanta’s Going To Be OK!
• Phillies vs Marlins Odds: Philadelphia Slight Favorite in Series Opener
• Angels vs Braves Betting Preview: Atlanta’s Roll Continues Against Ohtani