Blue Jays vs Mariners AL Wild Card Picks, Odds & Series Schedule

Both Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners entered as MLB expansion franchises in 1977. Seattle's proximity to Canada has created pockets of Mariners fans in British Columbia.

Toronto is a -150 betting favorite to win this Wild Card series. Seattle is +130 underdog. First pitch of Game 1 at Rogers Centre is at 4:07 pm ET on Friday, October 7. ESPN is carrying the broadcast of the series in the USA, while Canadians can watch on Sportsnet.

Blue Jays and Seattle played a three-game series at Toronto in mid-May. Seattle won the first two games 6-2 and 3-0.

The Mariners won the third game in Toronto 5-1. Seattle is 7-5 SU at home in the last eight games against Toronto. The entire series is scheduled to be played inToronto.

Seattle was among the better AL spread teams this season. Seattle went 83-79 against the runline, while Toronto was 74-89 on the line. Toronto is an AL-best 84-75-4 on total during the regular season, Seattle was 75-78-8.

Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios are the probable pitchers for Toronto in Game 1. Robbie Ray is the last year's AL Cy Young Award winner for the Blue Jays. Seattle's starting line-up includes Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert and George Kirby.

Blue Jays and Mariners are playing for the AL Wild Card. Toronto led MLB in hits (1,464), while Seattle topped the league in slugging (441), on-base percentage (329), runs scored (775), and home runs (200).

Seattle was fifth in the AL in ERA (3.59), WHIP (1.19), and fourth in runs allowed (623), runs scored (621), strikeouts (391), but fourth fourth for home runs (197).

Toronto was 46-42 when manager Charlie Montoyo was fired. The Blue Jays were 46.28 under John Schneider. Lourdes Gurriel Jr and Santiago Espinal are injured. Toronto plays at home. It will take Toronto three games to beat Seattle.