The Boston Red Sox (75-81) and Toronto Blue Jays (87-69) will square off in an AL East battle on Friday.
Boston is 4-6 over their last ten games but have won three in a row. Although it is not official, they practically ended the Baltimore Orioles season after winning three out of four against them. The Red Sox will try to take care of business against the Blue Jays over the weekend.
Toronto is also 4-6 over the course of their past ten games and most recently dropped two out of three against the New York Yankees at home.
AL East
The Yankees clinched the AL East with their win on Tuesday, but the Blue Jays also clinched a postseason berth after the Red Sox beat the Orioles.
Now the Blue Jays are focused on wrapping up the top Wild Card spot. They currently sit two games in front of the Mariners and Rays.
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:07 PM EST on September 30th, 2022, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. Let’s take a look at the Red Sox vs Blue Jays odds and predictions.
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays Odds Breakdown
The Red Sox have faltered in the MLB standings this year. As a result, they are obviously the underdogs in this matchup with Toronto. But some Red Sox picks have chased this year for bettors.
MLB’s Deepest Division
Boston is a decent team. They are in last place but happen to be in MLB’s deepest division. In other words, they feature plenty of upset potential.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays’ stats suggest they will cruise to a win. But Toronto cannot afford to take anything for granted against the Red Sox.
Let’s take a closer look at the Red Sox vs Blue Jays odds.
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays Betting Preview
Nick Pivetta as Starter
The odds in this game are also a product of the starting pitchers. Red Sox right-hander Nick Pivetta (10-11, 4.48) is set to oppose Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah (15-7, 2.31) in this game.
Pivetta started off the season strong. He looked like a potential ace with the way he was throwing the ball. Pivetta was a big part of the Red Sox mid-season mini run they had.
But just like Boston, Pivetta fell off as the season went on. His numbers are now lackluster, and he’s not a reliable option.
Pivetta has allowed 11 earned runs over the course of his previous three outings, working no longer than 5.1 innings in any of those starts.
Alek Manoah as Starter
Manoah, on the other hand, has been one of the best pitchers in baseball all year long. He’s been a pitbull piece to the puzzle for the Blue Jays.
With Jose Berrios’ struggles, Manoah’s impact on the ball club has arguably saved their season.
Manoah has allowed three earned runs over his past three outings while working no less than six innings in any of those starts. The Blue Jays hold a clear advantage from a pitching standpoint.
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays Picks and Predictions
After taking a look at the starting pitchers and Red Sox vs Blue Jays odds, it is time to make our official predictions for this game.
The Red Sox are a team trying to finish the year on a high note. They have no intention of rolling over despite being out of contention.
Wild Card Spot
With that being said, the Blue Jays want to lock up the top Wild Card spot. Their motivation will be present on Friday as well.
This may wind up being more competitive than people think. On paper, Toronto is the obvious pick to click. Their offense is superb, and Alek Manoah has been fantastic.
Who to Bet On?
The Red Sox lineup isn’t awful by any means, but trusting Pivetta against the Blue Jays lineup is a risky choice without question.
In the end, the Blue Jays should be able to get the job done. But it won’t come easy. Expect a fairly exciting game with the Blue Jays managing to cover the spread. Take the Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 with your Friday night betting pick.
MLB Pick: Blue Jays -1.5 (+120)
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