The Tampa Bay Rays have taken complete control of this series after outscoring the Toronto Blue Jays 19-3 through the first two games, and they’ll look to continue that dominance when the AL East rivals meet again on Wednesday night at Rogers Centre. Toronto, meanwhile, is searching for answers after another prolonged offensive slump has dropped the club further out of the playoff picture. Our Rays vs. Blue Jays predictions break down the best bets, player props, and odds for July 22, including a plus-money play on George Springer and a value pick on the Rays to keep rolling.
Rays vs. Blue Jays predictions
George Springer over 1.5 total bases @ ToonieBet (+145)
Springer over 1.5 total bases
Yes, the Blue Jays have been collectively struggling at the plate, but Springer appears to be heating up after hitting safely in four straight games, including a pair of multi-hit games in this series versus the Rays.
Springer has been mired in a season-long funk, but he’s slashing .400/.438/.667 over the last seven days and owns an .869 OPS in July. Additionally, Springer loves hitting against Griffin Jax, going 3-for-7 with a pair of homers in his career against the Rays right-hander.
Springer has exceeded 1.5 total bases in six of his last 10 games and 10 of his last 20, suggesting we’re getting excellent value here at +145 odds (41% implied odds). Overall, Springer has cleared this mark at a 41% clip this season (29 of 70 games played).
Rays moneyline @ ToonieBet (-105)
Rays moneyline
It appears that we’re getting excellent value on the Rays here at close to even-money odds given their dominance over the Blue Jays this season and their recent offensive outbursts against Toronto. Tampa is 7-1 versus the Blue Jays this season and has outscored Toronto 19-3 in the first two games of this series at the Rogers Centre.
The Rays also have the edge in the starting pitching matchup on Wednesday with Jax taking the mound against a bullpen day for Toronto led by Braydon Fisher. And after two strong starting pitching outings in the first two games of this series, Tampa’s bullpen has the edge in the rest department, with no one having thrown more than 18 pitches during that span. Five of Tampa’s eight relievers didn’t see action on Tuesday, including all of its high-leverage arms, so they’ll be ready to go on Wednesday in support of Jax.
It’s a little puzzling that this game is a pick’em given Toronto’s recent offensive drought, although the Blue Jays have had success with bullpen games this year.
As always, shop around for the best MLB odds at the best MLB betting sites before locking in any wagers on our Rays vs. Blue Jays predictions.
Rays vs. Blue Jays odds
| Rays moneyline odds | -110 |
| Blue Jays moneyline odds | -110 |
| Run line odds | Blue Jays -1.5 (+180), Rays +1.5 (-220) |
| Game total | Over 8 runs (-110), Under 8 runs (-110) |
| Date/time | July 22, 7:07 p.m. ET |
Betting the Rays (58-42 SU, 57-42-1 ATS, 46-52-1 o/u)
Tampa entered this series with Toronto on a five-game losing streak, but it has bounced back effectively with two dominant offensive performances versus the Blue Jays, scoring 19 runs across the first two games of this series.
Chandler Simpson and Ben Williamson had four hits apiece in Tuesday’s 12-2 thrashing of the Jays, although Simpson failed to help us cash our prediction on him to steal a base despite reaching base four times!
Tampa has expanded its lead to two games over the New York Yankees for the top spot in the AL East, despite having a disappointing 23-27 record on the road this season.
Betting the Blue Jays (46-55 SU, 46-55 ATS, 54-46-1 o/u)
The Blue Jays have been embarrassed on back-to-back nights by the Rays and are looking to avoid a fourth straight loss overall.
Toronto has managed to score just four runs total over its last four games, sinking the team’s average to a league-worst 3.96 runs per game this season.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to struggle for the Blue Jays, producing a miserable .196/.297/.357 slash line with a .411 OPS in July. He’s failed to hit a single home run at Rogers Centre this season and has hit just five total.
Probable starting pitchers
Tampa Bay: RHP Griffin Jax (5-7, 4.08 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 9.24 K/9)
Once one of the best high-leverage relievers in the league, Jax has been primarily used as a starting pitcher this season by the Rays. The move has produced mixed results, as his baseline numbers have been mediocre as a starter and his 5.31 xERA has been below the league average.
Jax had a very good outing against the Blue Jays back on May 13, tossing five innings of scoreless ball while managing just a single strikeout. He did struggle with his control, however, walking four batters.
It’s also worth noting that Jax was bombed for seven runs over five innings by the Red Sox the last time he took the hill, so his confidence might be wavering entering this start against Toronto.
Toronto: RHP Braydon Fisher (3-3, 3.65 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 9.12 K/9)
Fisher will act as the opener for the Blue Jays on Wednesday night, with Spencer Miles set to follow him in a bulk-relief role. Fisher has made six starts as the opener for the Blue Jays this season and 47 appearances overall. He’s been very effective as an opener, holding the opposition scoreless on three hits over those six starts.
Miles has also been used as both a starter and reliever for the Blue Jays this season, and he’s been much better out of the bullpen, holding the opposition to a .182/.249/.243 slash line as a reliever.
Notable injuries
The following notable players are on the injured list for Tampa Bay:
- OF Gavin Lux (shoulder)
- OF Jake Fraley (groin)
- P Steven Matz (ankle)
- P Ryan Pepiot (hip)
The following notable players are on the injured list for Toronto:
- OF Jesus Sanchez (ankle)
- P Yimi Garcia (elbow)
- P Max Scherzer (back)
- OF Addison Barger (elbow)
- OF Anthony Santander (shoulder)
- P Joe Mantiply (knee)
- P Jose Berrios (elbow)
- P Cody Ponce (knee)
- P Bowden Francis (elbow)
- OF Jonatan Clase (foot) is day-to-day
Weather
It should be a perfect night for outdoor baseball in Toronto, with clear skies and temperatures around 20 C. Winds will be blowing in from left field at 16 mph.
Rays vs. Blue Jays betting trends
- The Rays are 7-1 SU vs. the Blue Jays this season.
- Toronto has hit the team total under in 14 of its last 19 games.
- The Rays have hit the F5 moneyline in 16 of their last 24 games.
Rays vs. Blue Jays player prop trends
- Jax has recorded 15 outs or less in all but one of his 26 appearances this season. He’s -160 to record under 15.5 outs.
- Junior Caminero has hit safely in six straight games and is -235 to extend that streak.
- George Springer has exceeded 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs in four straight games and seven of his last 10. He’s -125 to extend that run.
- Victor Mesa Jr. has homered in three straight games and is +610 to go deep. He didn’t play on Tuesday night vs. Toronto.
