The Blue Jays (73-73) secured a much-needed win on Tuesday, bringing their record to an even .500. Toronto, one game out of a wild card spot, needs every victory it can get going forward. That means taking care of business this afternoon against the last-place Athletics (58-88). Can the A’s pull off an upset today, or will the visitors bolster their postseason chances?
The Blue Jays are favorites (-184) over the Athletics; the over/under is set at 9.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Wednesday’s showdown between Toronto and the A’s on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Blue Jays vs. Athletics pick, best bet today
- Blue Jays vs. Athletics over 9.5 runs (-102): Toronto’s bullpen is due for some regression, while the A’s barely have any league-average relievers. The Blue Jays are beginning to hit better in recent weeks, and the Athletics are a decent offensive unit at home. Add it all up, and you have all the ingredients for an afternoon over.
Blue Jays vs. Athletics prediction, preview
Both sides will be utilizing an opener in this one, which tilts the scale in Toronto’s favor. Starting things off will be Braydon Fisher, making his ninth start of the season. Over 70.1 innings pitched, he’s recorded a 3.20 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. However, manager John Schneider is unlikely to leave the right-hander out there for more than one frame. As a unit, the Blue Jays own the league’s eighth-best bullpen ERA (3.70). However, it’s fair to express some concern about this group in recent weeks. Toronto relievers have a 4.68 xFIP since August 1st. That’s the fourth-worst mark in baseball during that time.
This Athletics offense is missing some serious firepower. Brent Rooker (knee), Jacob Wilson (shoulder), Nick Kurtz (thumb), Shea Langeliers (knee) and Tyler Soderstrom (hip) are all on the injured list. With that being said, the team has remained respectable at the plate in their absence. Over the past month, the A’s are tied for the league’s fifth-most runs (161) and fifth-most homers (36). Unsurprisingly, those numbers are even better inside the hitter-friendly confines of Sutter Health Park. The Athletics are averaging 4.68 runs per game at home, 12th-most in the majors.
As previously mentioned, the A’s will counter with an opener of their own on Wednesday. Brady Basso gets the nod, making his fifth start of 2026. The numbers aren’t very good (4.32 ERA, 1.41 WHIP), but it could be much worse. Just scan over the rest of this lackluster bullpen. Athletics relievers have posted a miserable 5.43 ERA, worst in all of baseball. That’s not even the worst of it; their ERA jumps up to 6.67 when pitching in Sacramento. Opposing batters are slashing .293/.377/.513 against this ‘pen at Sutter Health Park.
You’d be forgiven for dismissing this Blue Jays offense. After all, they’re averaging baseball’s second-fewest runs per game (4.03). With that being said, the defending American League champions are beginning to show signs of life at the plate. Over the past 30 days, this team ranks second in the Junior Circuit with a 109 wRC+. During that time, big bats such as Kazuma Okamoto (154 wRC+) and Alejandro Kirk (145 wRC+) have stepped up. Rookie Brett Bateman also deserves a mention; he’s hitting .347 since August 9th. A contact-oriented approach should also pay dividends. Toronto is averaging 7.15 strikeouts per game at the plate; only the Rays (6.98) have had fewer. That knack for putting the ball in play could frustrate these subpar A’s relievers.
Best Bet: Blue Jays vs. Athletics over 9.5 runs (-102)
Following Tuesday’s low-scoring affair, expect more offense this afternoon in Sacramento. The Jays are finally turning a corner, carried by a deep, contact-oriented lineup. There’s no reason to expect a sudden slump against baseball’s worst bullpen. On the other side, Toronto’s relievers have mediocre peripherals. A capable Athletics offense should scrape together enough runs to make this over viable on Wednesday.
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