Odds and Bets: Sho-time Ohtani vs Toronto Blue Jays

Los Angeles Angels vs Toronto Blue Jays

One of the first teams the Los Angeles Angels (54-49) face after declaring that Shohei Ohtani is not up for sale – at least not now – is the Toronto Blue Jays (57-46). While Toronto’s odds of getting Ohtani were never very high, the prospect, however slight, had fans dreaming. Now the team must actually reckon with the phenom that is Ohtani, starting Friday at the Rogers Centre.

Kevin Gausman, one of the league’s best strikeout pitchers, will defend the home side’s honours (7-5, 3.18 ERA) whereas Lucas Giolito (6-6, 3.79 ERA) will try to give the visitors a good start to the weekend series. Of note, he’s lost four straight starts. The Angels come off a sweep of the Tigers and the Blue Jays took two of three from the Dodgers. We keep saying the Blue Jays need to kick it into higher gear but they never seem to. For a team in the running for a postseason birth, they’re maddeningly inconsistent.

Best Bet: Angels on the moneyline

Saskatchewan Roughriders vs Toronto Argonauts

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-3) stay on the road for the second week in a row as they visit the undefeated Toronto Argonauts (5-0). Going perfect for the entire regular season seems unlikely and the Argos will surely lose a game at some point, but it’s difficult to envision what might slow them down these days.

Not only are the Roughriders an average offensive club (20.8 points per game) but the Argonauts are an excellent defensive squad, conceding barely 20 points per match. Chad Kelly throws the occasional head-scratching interception, but by and large, he has taken over the mantle of starting quarterback with skill. Conversely, Saskatchewan’s offence simply hasn’t looked great without Trevor Harris. Other than Toronto overlooking its opponent, it seems unlikely this will be the first loss of the season.

Best Bet: Toronto Argonauts with the spread

Washington Mystics vs Dallas Wings

The battle for better playoff seeding continues in the WNBA. With more than half the regular season in the history books, both the Washington Mystics (12-11) and Dallas Wings (13-10) have a shot at some home-court advantage once the postseason commences.

The Wings were given a dose of reality at home earlier this week when the Connecticut Sun arrived in town and beat them 88-83. Dallas was superior in many major statistical categories but the Sun were able to capitalize on their chances when it mattered most. This feels like a team that will go as far as Arike Ogunbowale will take them. The Mystics were in Minnesota this week and fell prey to the Lynx, 97-92. Washington has also been a pretty bad road team this season, sporting a 4-7 record. Conversely, the Wings are a good home team (8-3) and will look to correct the blip suffered a few days ago. The only danger is when the Mystics get to the free throw line where they make 83.6 per cent of their attempts, good for first in the WNBA. Natasha Cloud is also an excellent facilitator, completing 6.2 assists per game.

Best Bet: Dallas Wings on the moneyline