Surprisingly, the defending champions have started with a losing record in the MLB standings. But the Houston Astros (8-9) are rounding into shape and secured a big win on the MLB schedule against a Toronto Blue Jays team hoping to contend for the American League pennant.
These two MLB teams were popular among preseason MLB picks to win their respective divisions, yet both sit third in their divisions.
Here is a breakdown of each team, Blue Jays vs Astros odds, predictions, and more for one of the more anticipated MLB games on the day’s slate.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Houston Astros Odds
The Blue Jays vs Astros odds have Toronto (10-7) and Houston both at -105 on the moneyline. The Blue Jays’ run line is -1.5 (+155), while the Astros are +1.5 (-130).
The over/under on the game is 9.0 runs with -115 odds on the over and -105 odds on the under.
The Blue Jays’ implied team total is 5 runs at -120 odds on the over and -110 odds on the under. The Astros’ implied team total is 4.0 runs at -120 on the under and -110 on the over.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Houston Astros Information
Toronto Blue Jays vs Houston Astros
Location of the Game: Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX.
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 8:10 PM ET.
How to Watch: AT&T Sportsnet, Sportsnet, MLB.TV
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Houston Astros Betting Preview
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays were the first team to beat the Tampa Bay Rays and actually won a pair to win their third straight series. While the Rays won their first 13 games, the Blue Jays showed they can hang with the best team in baseball.
Looking at the MLB player stats, it is clear that the Blue Jays need better pitching. They are 23rd in allowing 5.34 runs per game, 17th with a .253 batting average against, and 20th with an opposing OPS of .767. They also give up 1.56 home runs per game, the third-worst rate in the league.
Offensively, the Blue Jays are 13th at scoring 4.92 runs per game and fifth with a batting average of .271. Their OPS of .747 is 10th.
Toronto Blue Jays odds are 9-7-1 on over/unders and 6-5 straight up on the road. They will start Chris Bassitt, who is 1-2 with a 7.63 ERA and 1.63 WHIP.
Houston Astros
The MLB injury report has caused some concern for the Astros to start the season. They have veteran hitter Michael Brantley out with a shoulder injury, second baseman Jose Altuve out with a thumb injury, and several other injuries. But they are rounding into shape.
Yet the offense has been good while ranking 11th in scoring 5.04 runs per game with a .251 batting average (13th) and .725 OPS (17th).
Defensively, the Astros are 10th in holding teams to 4.22 runs per game, 14th with a batting average against of .246, and 12th with an opposing OPS of .710, Houston Astros stats show.
They will start Jose Urquidy, a soft throwing righty who is 1-0 with a .235 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. The Astros are 5-6 at home and 12-5 on over/unders this season.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Houston Astros Betting Picks
Early MLB picks among those who have made their bets public show 65% of bettors pick the Astros to win outright. Another 62% of bets are on the over.
The last part is not surprising, given how poorly Bassitt has pitched, but the Blue Jays have the better lineup, and it is a surprise that they are not the betting favorite.
Really the Blue Jays vs Astros odds do not favor one side over the other. Believing in the Blue Jays’ offense does give a lucrative advantage if their run line hits. That is what we are hoping for with a healthier offense and Bassitt to have some positive regression Tuesday.
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