D’Backs vs Blue Jays Preview: Potential Playoff Teams Battle in Canada

The D’Backs vs Blue Jays preview notes the Arizona Diamondbacks are the second best road team in Major League Baseball. Arizona brings a 26-15 away record into the three-game series, which begins on Friday. Toronto is 23-18 at home for the season.

The Blue Jays are -220/+185 in the game despite not naming a starting pitcher for Friday, the total sits at 9 juiced to -115/-105. Part of that has to do with Ryne Nelson being named as Arizona’s starter and he’s been one of the weak links of the pitching staff. He’s 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA and the Diamondbacks are 8-10 when he starts, allowing 5.11 runs per game. He’s been better on the road, with the Diamondbacks going 5-4 and allowing 4.00 runs per game.

If the Blue Jays maintain their pitching rotation, Jose Berrios would get the start today. But so far, Toronto is trying to keep Arizona guessing as to who gets the start. Nelson does offer a little bit of value as such a large underdog.

The D’Backs vs Blue Jays standings show Arizona is 52-39 on the season. The Diamondbacks are tied with the Dodgers in the Major League Baseball standings for first place in the National League West. Toronto is 50-41 for the season, 7.0 games behind Tampa Bay. But the Blue Jays are in position for a wild card berth.

Good Hitting Teams

Both the Diamondbacks and the Blue Jays are in the top 10 in hitting in MLB. The Blue Jays are ranked No. 7 with a .259 batting average, while the Diamondbacks are No. 9 with a .258 batting average. But the Diamondbacks have made more from their hits. Arizona is No. 7 in runs scored, while the Blue Jays are No. 13.

The Diamondbacks are No. 6 in MLB in slugging percentage with a .428 average. Toronto is No. 12 at .415, so the Diamondbacks have a little more power and are getting the clutch hits.

Saturday’s Game

The D’Backs vs Blue Jays preview shows Zac Gallen the starter for the Diamondbacks. Gallen was the National League starter in the All-Star game. Gallen has been brilliant at home this season. The Diamondbacks are 9-1 when he starts at home, allowing 2.1 runs per game. On the road, it’s a different story. Despite Arizona’s stellar road record, the Diamondbacks are 4-5 when Gallen starts on the road and allow 5.56 runs per game.

The Blue Jays haven’t named their starter for this game, although would be Yusei Kikuchi’s turn in the rotation. But the Blue Jays are leaving their options open. Given Gallen’s struggled on the road this season, the Blue Jays could be one of your best MLB bets today. Toronto will likely offer decent value given Gallen’s name recognition after the All-Star game.

Sunday’s Game

The D’Backs vs Blue Jays preview shows Tommy Henry getting the start for the Diamondbacks against a pitcher not yet named. The Blue Jays have scored four runs or less in their last seven games against a left-handed starter.

Arizona is 10-3 in the games Henry has started, winning seven of his last eight outings. The Diamondbacks are 5-1 when he starts on the road, so he could offer decent value in the series finale.

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