Our Blue Jays vs. Nationals prediction for Wednesday’s series finale points to a matchup shaped by fresh pitching, recent offensive struggles, and a quick turnaround following a rain-delayed game in Washington. Toronto hands the ball to rookie Trey Yesavage, whose unique delivery could give the Nationals trouble the first time through the lineup, while Washington counters with veteran Zack Littell in an afternoon contest that could favour the pitchers. Below, we break down the latest odds, our best bet, key player matchups, and the trends that matter before first pitch.
Blue Jays vs. Nationals prediction
Under 9.5 runs scored: -112 (best odds @ BetRivers)
Under 9.5 runs scored
It’s getaway day in Washington for this finale of the three-game series, and there’s a tight turnaround between last night’s game and the 1 p.m. ET start time on Wednesday. Additionally, Tuesday’s game was delayed 67 minutes due to rain, so it was a late night for the players on both teams, which means there could be a sluggish start to Wednesday’s contest.
The Blue Jays should be able to contain Washington’s lethal offence with Yesavage on the mound, as he’s especially tough on players seeing his unique release point and devastating splitter for the first time around. Littell is a below-average starter, but he should still be able to navigate Toronto’s weak lineup relatively effectively on Wednesday given the circumstances.
Both of these teams have trended towards playing under game totals recently, with Washington doing so in six of its last nine games and Toronto in five of its last seven.
As always, check for the best MLB odds at the best MLB betting sites before locking in any wagers on our Blue Jays vs. Nationals predictions.
Blue Jays vs. Nationals odds
| Blue Jays moneyline odds | -120 |
| Nationals moneyline odds | +100 |
| Run line odds | Blue Jays -1.5 (+135), Nationals +1.5 (-160) |
| Game total | Over 9.5 (+100), Under 9.5 (-120) |
| Date/time | July 28, 1:05 p.m. ET |
Betting the Blue Jays (49-59 SU, 49-59 ATS, 56-51-1 o/u)
The Blue Jays have lost 10 of 14 games to slip 10 games under .500 entering this series finale on Wednesday.
However, the good news is that the Blue Jays finally put some runs up on the board (six) on Tuesday night, with Kazuma Okamoto blasting his 24th homer of the season to tie a franchise rookie record. Toronto had managed just 23 runs over its previous 10 games before finally breaking out with six runs on Tuesday.
Betting the Nationals (55-53 SU, 65-45 ATS, 59-45-4 o/u)
The Nationals are the best offensive team in baseball, averaging 5.5 runs per game; they proved on Tuesday that they can beat you all kinds of different ways. They’ve slugged the most homers in baseball and have the most stolen bases, and they even drew six walks in Tuesday’s 8-6 win.
Washington has won six of its last nine games to improve to 11-10 this month and is just one back of the final NL Wild Card spot.
Probable starting pitchers
Washington: RHP Zack Littell (7-8, 5.17 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 5.88 K/9)
The former Tampa Bay Ray is a familiar foe to many Toronto players after pitching the past four seasons out of the AL East. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1.542 OPS), Alejandro Kirk (1.286 OPS), and Daulton Varsho (1.591 OPS) have excellent career numbers against the right-hander, as do a few others in small sample sizes.
Littell owns an ugly 6.28 xERA and .288 xBA, and many of his pitches rank below the league average aside from his slider. Regardless, he’s been an effective innings-eater for the Nationals this season and tends to keep the team in games.
Toronto: RHP Trey Yesavage (4-5, 3.92 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 9.21 K/9)
It’s been a tough month for Yesavage, who owns a bloated 6.11 ERA across four starts this month. He’s struggled with his control recently, walking 12 batters over his last 17 2/3 innings pitched, and that has resulted in some high early pitch counts and high-pressure situations.
However, Yesavage will have the element of surprise working in his favour on Wednesday, as not a single player on the Nationals roster has a previous at-bat against him. Toronto’s young right-hander can be incredibly tough to face for the first few times as hitters adjust to his unique over-the-top arm angle and devastating splitter.
If he can solve his control issues to a degree on Wednesday afternoon, it could be a very long game for the Nationals.
Notable injuries
The following notable players are on the injured list for Washington:
- P Connelly Early (elbow)
- P Brad Lord (oblique)
- P Trevor Williams (elbow)
- P Jake Irvin (shoulder)
- P Richard Lovelady (triceps)
- P Josiah Gray (elbow)
The following notable players are on the injured list for Toronto:
- OF Jesus Sanchez (ankle)
- P Yimi Garcia (elbow)
- 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)
- P Patrick Corbin (shoulder
Weather
Forecasts are calling for temperatures around 29 C and sunny skies on Wednesday afternoon in Washington. Winds will blow across the field at 13 mph.
Blue Jays vs. Nationals betting trends
- The Blue Jays are 4-1 SU in the past four meetings with the Nationals.
- The under is 5-2 in Toronto’s last seven games.
- The under is 6-3 in Washington’s last nine games.
- The Blue Jays have hit the team total under in 14 of their last 20 games.
Blue Jays vs. Nationals player prop trends
- Littell has recorded three strikeouts or more in six straight starts and eight of his last 10. He’s -130 to record over 2.5 strikeouts.
- George Springer has hit safely in four straight games and eight of his 10. He’s -260 to extend that streak.
- James Wood has walked in three straight games and 11 of his last 20. He’s -150 to draw at least one walk on Wednesday.
