Red Sox vs Blue Jays Preview: Toronto Hits Slump at Worst Time

The Boston Red Sox visit the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series beginning Friday. Boston is all but eliminated from the baseball playoffs. The Blue Jays enter Friday’s game on a four-game losing streak which has them 1.5 games out of a wild card spot. Toronto has 15 games left to play, so it needs to get things turned around quickly. The Red Sox vs Blue Jays preview shows Brayan Bello and Jose Berrios as the scheduled starters in Friday’s opening game. Toronto is -131 and the total is 8.5-over (-120).

The Red Sox are 74-73, tied for last place with the Yankees in the AL East. The division has been the best in MLB this season, with Baltimore and Tampa Bay leading the way. The Red Sox are .500 at home and 36-35 on the road.

The Blue Jays have also been a little better on the road, going 42-33 away from home and 38-34 at home this season. Toronto’s biggest problem is its 41-50 record against teams at .500 or better. For a team the MLB expert picks had to make the playoffs, the Blue Jays are a little disappointing there. Boston is 47-47 against teams at .500 or better.

Both MLB teams can hit the ball. The Red Sox are No. 3 in team batting average and No. 8 in runs scored. The Blue Jays are No. 6 in team batting average, but No. 16 in runs scored. Toronto isn’t getting the hits when it needs them. But Toronto has been much better on the mound. The Blue Jays are No. 3 in team ERA and have converted 49 of 65 save chances. The Red Sox are No. 21 in team ERA and have converted 40 of 53 save opportunities.

Friday’s Game

Bello has done a solid job for the Red Sox this season. He’s 12-8 with a 3.68 ERA, and Boston is 17-8 when he takes the mound this season. The Red Sox have given him solid run support, scoring 5.92 runs per game. Berrios is 10-10 with a 3.63 ERA. Toronto has gone 16-13 when he starts.

Berrios hasn’t received the same offensive support behind him, and the Blue Jays are 9-16-4 in totals when he starts. The MLB predictions make the line here Toronto -129, so there is a bit of value in taking the Red Sox. But not too terribly much.

Saturday’s Game

The Red Sox vs Blue Jays preview has Chris Sale and Chris Bassitt as the starters for Saturday. Sale has suffered through a rough season, missing a fair amount of time. He brings a 6-4 record and a 4.88 ERA into the contest. The Red Sox have gone 11-6 when Sale starts and 11-4-2 in totals.

Bassitt has gone 14-8 with a 3.83 ERA. The Blue Jays are 17-13 when he starts and 11-18-1 in totals. Toronto hasn’t shown a huge difference against left-handers compared to right-handed starters. Sale’s ERA might keep the total on this one at 8.5 and if it does, the value would be on the under.

Sunday’s Game

The Red Sox vs Blue Jays preview has Nick Pivetta and Hyun Jin Ryu as the starters. Pivetta is 9-9 on the season with an ERA of 4.56. He’s spent some time in the bullpen, and the Red Sox are 6-7 when he starts this season. Ryu missed time at the beginning of the year, but has thrown well enough since his return to the rotation. He sports a 3-3 record with a 2.93 ERA. Toronto is 5-3 when he starts.

Boston hasn’t shown much offensive difference against right-handed or left-handed starts. The price is likely to be a little bit on the high side in this one. But considering Toronto needs the game more, you can’t really find fault with anybody who backs Toronto. But if the line is higher than Blue Jays -140, there isn’t much value with the home team.

For MLB betting news, Red Sox vs Blue Jays odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Braves vs Marlins Series Preview: Braves Already Clinched NL East!
• Dodgers vs Mariners Preview: LA Closing in on Another Division Title
• Rays vs Orioles Series Preview: Now or Never for TB
• Giants vs Rockies Preview: Will Patrick Bailey’s Return Help Giants In Playoff Push?
• Major League Baseball Weekend Spotlight: Yordan Alvarez