Odds and Bets: Blue Jays, Giants, Diamondbacks Have Big Tests

Blue Jays vs Marlins: Toronto Starts on the Right Foot

The Toronto Blue Jays have been put through the wringer since last week. They’re currently travelling around the States on a nine-game road swing, the first six of which saw them contend with the equally strong Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers. As of Monday, they commence a trio of nights in Miami to test their metal against one of the surprise clubs of MLB, the Marlins.

Thus far, the Jays have amassed a 2-4 record on this trip and playing the Marlins won’t be any easier. As highlighted in our preview, Toronto sends Jose Berrios to the mound, and he’s coming off an excellent win in Baltimore. It will be a fascinating battle between him and Marlins superstar Luis Arraez, who is batting an ballistic .388 this season. Toronto is also an excellent hitting team, and Miami is middle-of-the-pack when it comes to collective ERA (4.14, good for 14^th in the majors).

Best Bet: Blue Jays on the Moneyline

Padres vs Giants: Michael Wacha to Keep San Fran Bats Cold

This might seem to like a curious match to harp on for Odds and Bets. Neither ball club is making that many headlines in 2023, but several factors are at play when NL West foes San Diego and San Francisco begin their four-game set Monday. For one, the Padres were a playoff team in 2022, but don’t look like one today. If they want to start a serious push, it has to start now. Two, it’s arguably best to do so against a divisional rival. Three, said division rival is suddenly surging.

The Giants are a respectable 39-32 at the time of writing, helped in large part by a 8-2 record in their last 10. Incidentally, they are a better road team (21-15) than a home team (18-17). Game one will be tough. The Padres send their ace to the mound, Michael Wacha. His ERA is an incredible 2.89 to go along with a 7-2 record.

Best Bet: Take the Under 8.5 Runs Scored

Diamondbacks vs Brewers: Arizona’s Cold Brew

Speaking of the NL West, how about those Arizona Diamondbacks? Not only do our Power Rankings like them but so does former Jays manager John Gibbons. They currently sit atop the division with a sparkling 43-29 record. As of Monday, they grind out a trio of games against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. A battle of division leaders. It sounds good on paper, but the truth is the Brewers don’t impress nearly as much as the Diamondbacks, partly because no one expected Arizona to be as good as they are almost three months into the season.

Merrill Kelly defends Arizona’s honour Monday, and he’s been stellar this season with a 3.04 ERA, an 8-3 record and 89 strikeouts. Batters have hit on him only 58 times! Moreover, the Diamondbacks have the third-best batting average in the majors at .264. Of course, as brought up on a recent Pitch Clock episode, former Blue Jay Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is doing his part in helping the cause (.282, 40 RBIs).

Best Bet: Arizona on the Runline