Looking for a Tigers vs. Blue Jays prediction for Wednesday afternoon’s matchup? Detroit enters this contest playing some of its best offensive baseball of the season, while Toronto turns to veteran right-hander Max Scherzer as it looks to slow down a Tigers lineup that has been producing runs in bunches.
Tigers vs. Blue Jays prediction
Tigers team total over 3.5 runs: -135 best odds @ bet365
Tigers team total over 3.5 runs
The Tigers are averaging eight runs per game over their last six contests and now have a favourable matchup against Scherzer in this contest.
Scherzer, now 42 years old, likely wouldn’t have a spot in Toronto’s rotation if not for numerous injuries to the starting pitching staff throughout the season. He’s a far cry from his former dominant self at this point in his career, as evidenced by his ugly 6.38 ERA, which is on pace to be the worst of his illustrious career.
Detroit is averaging a very respectable 4.52 runs per game overall (13th in MLB) and 4.62 runs per game on the road this season. The Tigers should be able to muster a few early runs off Scherzer and one or two against Toronto’s bullpen in order to put at least four on the board in this afternoon matchup with favourable warm and humid weather conditions for offence.
Tigers vs. Blue Jays odds
| Tigers moneyline odds | +100 |
| Blue Jays moneyline odds | -120 |
| Run line odds | Blue Jays -1.5 (+165), Tigers +1.5 (-200) |
| Game total | Over 8.5 runs (-105), Under 8.5 (-115) |
| Date/time | Sept. 16, 3:07 p.m. ET |
Betting the Tigers (72-79 SU, 77-74 ATS, 67-78-6 o/u)
The Tigers have won six straight games to stay mathematically alive in the AL playoff race, although the winning streak is likely too little too late.
They’ve scored six runs or more in each game, averaging eight per game during the impressive run.
If they can complete a three-game sweep of Toronto on Wednesday, the Tigers will have the opportunity to make up direct ground on the AL Central-leading White Sox in a four-game series beginning Thursday. Detroit enters play Wednesday trailing the White Sox by five games in the division.
Betting the Blue Jays (75-77 SU, 74-78 ATS, 79-71-2 o/u)
The Blue Jays have lost six of their last nine games and are fading quickly in the AL playoff race, trailing the Guardians by two games for the final playoff spot.
There should be a real sense of urgency from the Blue Jays on Thursday, as another loss to the Tigers will really put them in a bad spot with just nine regular-season games remaining after this series with Detroit.
Toronto’s bullpen has sustained a moderate workload in this series with the Tigers, which doesn’t put it in the best position with the struggling Scherzer taking the mound Wednesday, although the team’s high-leverage relievers are relatively fresh.
Probable starting pitchers
Detroit: RHP Keider Montero (9-8, 3.55 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 6.0 K/9)
After posting an impressive 2.83 ERA across five August starts, Montero has been roughed up for eight earned runs on 10 hits over his last two September starts.
Overall, his body of work has been impressive this season, pitching to a 3.56 xERA while holding opponents to a .231 xBA. His 5.7% walk rate is elite, ranking in the 90th percentile among qualified pitchers.
Montero has not faced the Blue Jays this season.
Toronto: RHP Max Scherzer (2-8, 6.38 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 6.78 K/9)
Scherzer was smacked around for six earned runs on seven hits the last time he took the mound against Baltimore, and he wasn’t particularly sharp in his previous start against Kansas City, allowing three runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings.
Left-handed batters, in particular, are crushing him this season, slashing .277/.366/.482 with a combined .848 OPS. The 42-year-old right-hander also owns an ugly 2-7 record with a 6.75 ERA in 10 starts at Rogers Centre this season.
One positive sign for Scherzer entering this start is that he’s had previous success against the players on Detroit’s current roster, who are slashing .135/.167/.250 with a .417 OPS in 52 previous at-bats against the future Hall of Famer.
Notable injuries
The following players are on the injured list for Detroit:
- P Justin Verlander (hip)
- P Jack Flaherty (forearm)
- OF Matt Vierling (heel)
- OF Kerry Carpenter (foot)
- OF Parker Meadows (forearm)
- P Reese Olson (shoulder)
The following players are on the injured list for Toronto:
- P Trey Yesavage (knee)
- OF Anthony Santander (shoulder)
- P Cody Ponce (knee)
- P Patrick Corbin (shoulder)
- P Shane Bieber (shoulder)
- P Jameson Taillon (elbow)
- P Yimi Garcia (elbow)
- OF Addison Barger (elbow)
- P Jose Berrios (elbow)
Weather
Forecasts are calling for temperatures around 25 C with sunny skies on Wednesday afternoon, so this game should be played with the dome open. Winds will blow in from centre field at 6 mph.
Tigers vs. Blue Jays betting trends
- The Blue Jays have hit the F5 team total under in 30 of their last 45 home games.
- The Blue Jays have covered the run line in 14 of their last 22 home games.
- The Tigers have hit the F5 team total over in 10 of their last 13 games.
Tigers vs. Blue Jays player prop trends
- Scherzer has recorded four strikeouts or fewer in six of his last seven starts, averaging just 3.4 per start overall this season. He’s -105 to record under 4.5 strikeouts.
- Max Clark has hit safely in six straight games and is -150 to extend that streak.
- Spencer Torkelson has driven in at least one run in four straight games and is +175 to record an RBI.
- George Springer has excellent career numbers in a small sample size against Montero, going 4-for-6 with a pair of homers.
