Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays Prediction 9-22-23 MLB Picks

The Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays clash Friday in game 1 of an MLB series at Tropicana Field. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Toronto Blue Jays Betting Preview

The Blue Jays look for a win after winning 5 of their last 6 games. The Blue Jays currently have the second AL wild card spot. The Blue Jays pitching staff is 2nd in ERA (3.72), 7th in WHIP (1.24) and 7th in quality starts (67). The Blue Jays offense is 16th in runs per game (4.54), 10th in batting average (.256) and 18th in homers (175). Bo Bichette leads the Blue Jays with 161 hits and 69 RBI, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer have combined for 300 hits and 146 RBI. Chris Bassitt gets the ball, and he is 14-8 with a 3.78 ERA and 166 strikeouts this season. Bassitt is 0-2 with a 2.45 ERA and 19 strikeouts in his career against the Rays.

Toronto Blue Jays Team Facts

The Blue Jays have won each of their last four games as road underdogs following a loss.
The Blue Jays have covered the run line in 11 of their last 12 games as road underdogs.
The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Blue Jays' last three games as underdogs against AL East opponents.
The Blue Jays have led after 3 innings in six of their last eight games as road underdogs.
The Blue Jays have led after 5 innings in each of their last six Friday night games as underdogs.

Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview

The Rays look for a win after splitting their last 6 games. The Rays are 1.5 games back in the AL East. The Rays pitching staff is 4th in ERA (3.80), 1st in WHIP (1.16) and 17th in quality starts (49). The Rays' offense is 4th in runs per game (5.25), 8th in batting average (.257) and 5th in homers (217). Yandy Diaz leads the Rays with 166 hits and 75 RBI, while Randy Arozarena and Wander Franco have combined for 261 hits and 141 RBI. Tyler Glasnow gets the ball, and he is 9-6 with a 3.53 ERA and 146 strikeouts this season. Glasnow is 0-3 with a 6.88 ERA and 44 strikeouts in his career against the Blue Jays.

Tampa Bay Rays Team Facts

The Rays have won five of their last six games at Tropicana Field.
The Rays have covered the run line each of their last six home games against teams that held a winning record.
The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Rays' last six home games.
The Rays have trailed after 7 innings in three of their last four games as favorites against American League opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

The Tampa Bay Rays rank 1st in the league for runs allowed this season (613).
The Tampa Bay Rays rank 2nd in the league for steals this season (157).
The Toronto Blue Jays rank 2nd in the league for ERA this season (3.72).
The Toronto Blue Jays rank 3rd in the league for strikeouts this season (1437).

Randy’s Pick

The Rays are getting the benefit of the doubt because they're at home and their star pitcher in Tyler Glasnow is on the mound. I get it. However, the Blue Jays have been hot over the last week or so and Chris Bassitt is no pushover with his 3.78 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Big series for both teams, but I do like the value of the plus money with the Blue Jays.