As the MLB season draws close, the Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field promises to be a critical clash for both sides. This game, which is slated for Saturday, not only features two teams with almost the same season record as it is but also portrays a scenario of probable moving up the playoff positioning chart. This is what moves baseball to the next level in this engagement and with leading handicapper tips, contains all the attributes of drama in baseball with added stress on a strategy.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays 9/21/24 Game Info and Odds |
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| When: | Saturday, September 21 at 4:10 PM ET |
| Where: | Tropicana Field |
| Watch: | BSSUN, ESPN, MLB.TV |
| Blue Jays odds: | +118 Moneyline |
| Rays odds: | -139 Moneyline |
| Total Line: | 8 |
Toronto Blue Jays (73-81) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (76-78)
The Toronto Blue Jays, struggling to maintain consistency, face another tough road challenge. Their last five games reflect a rocky path, with losses against the Rays and Texas Rangers, interspersed with narrow wins. Notably, their September 20th encounter with Tampa resulted in a minimal 0-1 loss, indicative of their current offensive struggles. Despite a batting average of .242 and a commendable 153 home runs this season, the Jays have found runs hard to come by, a crucial factor as they revisit their division rivals.
| Toronto Blue Jays Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 20, 2024 | TB | 0-1 | Lose |
| Sep 19, 2024 | TEX | 4-0 | Win |
| Sep 18, 2024 | TEX | 0-2 | Lose |
| Sep 17, 2024 | TEX | 8-13 | Lose |
| Sep 15, 2024 | STL | 3-2 | Win |
Conversely, the Tampa Bay Rays have displayed resilience at home, which could be pivotal in this matchup. Their recent performances, including a tight victory over Toronto and Boston, demonstrate their tactical prowess in close games. With a solid pitching staff that boasts a lower ERA of 3.83 compared to Toronto’s 4.26, the Rays have effectively limited opponents’ scoring opportunities, a trend that bodes well for them in upcoming games.
| Tampa Bay Rays Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 20, 2024 | TOR | 1-0 | Win |
| Sep 19, 2024 | BOS | 2-0 | Win |
| Sep 18, 2024 | BOS | 1-2 | Lose |
| Sep 17, 2024 | BOS | 8-3 | Win |
| Sep 15, 2024 | CLE | 0-2 | Lose |
Yariel Rodriguez (1-6, 4.29 ERA) vs. Taj Bradley (6-11, 4.39 ERA)
Yariel Rodriguez of the Blue Jays has had a rough win-loss card, but he has had moments of virtue throughout the entire season. Lately, while maintaining a 4.29 ERA, and with 77 strikeouts in 77.2 innings pitched, he has acted like a pressure pitcher but at intervals. Rodriguez’s challenge in this game is to weather the storm of the Rays’ hitters early in the count to prevent the long ball, which so far this season he has conceded 10 homers.
Taj Bradley, the starter for the Rays, faces the same challenges and opportunities as his counterpart. He has 4.39 ERA and struck out 143 in 127 innings pitched which shows his ability to get batters to pray and miss but easy on the runs conceded. That at best could alter the course of the match, especially if he keeps his level head against the Jays sluggers like he has been doing for other teams.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Tampa Bay Rays -139, Total Odds: 8
Given the betting trends and team statistics, the odds of winning do lean slightly toward the Rays, particularly looking at how they have been playing of late and playing at home. The total is set at 8 which goes with the prediction of a game with few scores not exceeding those witnessed in the past.
Toronto Blue Jays Betting Trends
Betting patterns in Toronto indicate a team that is in inconsistency. The last few UNDER trends along with the statistics on the results on the road indicate problems with away batting and pitching as well. Some of the bettors might retrieve cautiously in regard to their spread’s covering ability even at +1.5 run line.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends
The Rays however possess a better tendency to lower the scoring games as evident in the last nine matchups where the total has gone below the posted line in eight. By virtue of their good home tenure, the team tends to be a better moneyline bet even with low prices relative to the Toronto’s bet.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays 9/21/24 Betting Picks
By analyzing the facts and the trends, it becomes evident that the Rays are the more dependable team, especially in the home games. Their superior pitching and smart game playing puts them in a good position relative to the Blue Jays’ who seem to struggle on away games and consistency in scoring.
When looking for the optimal bet, the best strategy is to back the Rays on the money line while placing an UNDER bet on the total runs. It is expected to be a similar game with a lower score, which has been the case for both teams of late. The top MLB picks, rate the Rays as the winning team and recommend a bet for the total points to go UNDER.