The Blue Jays and Angels face off in a must-win game for both teams. Toronto (16-20) is on the brink of a series sweep and needs a win to stop their slide. Meanwhile, Los Angeles (15-20) is looking to capitalize on the momentum from a win Tuesday night and secure a rare series victory. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Thursday night baseball game between the Angels and the Blue Jays.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Angels vs. Blue Jays prediction, preview
Given both team’s records, the stakes, here, are clear. And not as low as these organizations would like this early in the season. The Blue Jays, led by Chris Bassitt, aim to regain form and salvage their season, while the Angels try to string together a rare win streak.
Bassitt (2-2, 2.95 ERA) has been the Blue Jays’ steadying force, but his recent starts have shown signs of inconsistency. However, his strikeout stuff (9.8 K/9) and ability to limit home runs (admittedly, however, four allowed in his last two starts) keep him competitive. Against the Angels, Bassitt has historically been dominant, sporting a 3.61 ERA and a solid 7-3 record in 13 starts. The challenge for Bassitt tonight is to avoid the kind of pitching hiccups that have contributed to his recent rough patch—hitters going yard, obviously. With the Angels’ offense ranked 28th in batting average (.216) and struggling mightily in Trout’s absence, Bassitt is in prime position to limit their scoring.
On the mound for the Angels, José Soriano (2-4, 3.83 ERA) has flashed some promise but hasn’t been able to string together consistent starts. His strikeout rate (7.0 K/9) is decent, but he’s allowed a concerning 46.3% hard-hit rate. Against a Blue Jays lineup that has finally started to show signs of life, Soriano will need to avoid walks and minimize his notorious penchant for erraticism, as Toronto’s patient approach has been drawing walks at a 10.1% rate.
Blue Jays vs. Angels pick, best bet
Recent form shows Toronto as a stronger road team, with a 9-7 record ATS away, while the Angels have been underwhelming at home with a 6-14 ATS mark. The Blue Jays have also dominated this matchup in recent history, going 7-2 in the last nine meetings. Toronto has a 6-2 record when favored at -130 and has been more reliable on the road. We backed them and they lost last night, so who really knows with these anemic offenses. It’s why we’re staying away from runlines tonight.
The Angels are struggling, especially without Mike Trout, and have lost five of their last six with Soriano on the mound. The over/under for this game is set at 8.5, but with Bassitt’s ability to limit damage and Soriano’s inconsistency, expect a lower-scoring affair.
Best bet: Blue Jays (-130) at Angels
Pinch your nose and hope Bassit’s stuff is electric—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
