Toronto Blue Jays (83-65) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (92-58)
September 20, 2021 7:10 pm EDT
The Line: Tampa Bay Rays +115 / Toronto Blue Jays -152; Over/Under: +8
(Get latest betting odds)
The Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays meet Monday in MLB action from Tropicana Field. Toronto is coming off a weekend series versus the Twins. The Blue Jays split the first pair in that set, then on Sunday Toronto bagged a two-run win. As for the Rays, they played four games versus the Tigers over the weekend. Tampa Bay won two of the first three in that series, then on Sunday the Rays lost in a shutout. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Toronto fell 7-3 to the Twins in their Friday opener but then bounced back Saturday for a 6-2 win. In the Sunday rubber match, the Blue Jays scored all of their runs in the first inning during a 5-3 win. Starter Jose Berrios put up 6.0 innings with three earned on four hits and a walk.
For the starter gig in the Monday game the Jays are sending out Robbie Ray. Over his 177.1 innings of work this year Ray has 136 hits, 53 runs (52 earned), 28 homers allowed, 43 walks, 233 Ks and a 2.64 ERA.
Over on the Rays’ side, they posted wins over the Tigers 5-2 Thursday and 7-4 Friday before a 4-3 Saturday loss. In the Sunday game, Tampa Bay could only find five team hits in a 2-0 loss. Shane McClanahan put up 5.0 frames with one earned on two hits and two walks.
For the starting pitcher slot in the Monday opener, the Rays will send out Shane Baz in his Major-League debut. Baz is Tampa’s top prospect and posted a 1.76 ERA over 10 games in Triple-A this year.
The Jays are 4-0 in their last four Monday games and 16-5 in their last 21 versus the AL East. The under is also 4-1-1 in Toronto’s last six Monday games.
Meanwhile, the Rays are 10-3 in their last 13 in game one of a series and 41-15 in their last 56 versus the AL East. Tampa is also 41-15 in their last 56 Monday games.
PICK: I’m going to try Toronto in this one. Ray had an up-and-down appearance on September 10 in Baltimore, with three earned on eight hits, two walks and two homers across 4.1 innings. Ray was able to bounce back in his last game (against Tampa) with 7.0 frames, one earned, four hits and 13 Ks. Ray has double-digit strikeouts in five of his last six (eight in the other) and I like him to keep it going with a win here. Should be a great series overall.
