Blue Jays vs. Phillies Odds
| Blue Jays Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
+102 | 8.5 -105 / -115 | -1.5 +160 |
| Phillies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| -120 | 8.5 -105 / -115 | +1.5 -194 |
The NL East's Philadelphia Phillies host the AL East's Toronto Blue Jays in the second and final installment of this mini two-game interleague series.
In the first matchup, Philadelphia secured an 8-4 victory at Citizens Bank Park. Will the Phillies complete the mini-sweep, or can Toronto pull off the upset?
Here's a look at the odds as well as my Blue Jays vs. Phillies betting pick.
Toronto Blue Jays
After dropping the first matchup in this series, the Toronto Blue Jays hand the ball to right-hander Kevin Gausman. Through seven starts this season, Gausman possesses a 3.86 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.
While those are not the most dominant numbers, the right-hander's true excellence comes in the strikeout department. A punchout specialist with incredible command, Gausman ranks in the 82nd percentile or higher this season in K%, BB%, Whiff% and Chase Rate.
If these early results hold, this would mark the fifth straight season in which Gausman finishes with a K% north of 25%.
While Gausman only relies on three pitches, his splitter is one of the most lethal pitches in the baseball. This season, opposing hitters possess a 49.7 % Whiff% against that pitch.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have put together a disappointing start to the campaign in their quest to return to the Fall Classic. The Phillies are fourth in the NL East and two games under .500.
Philadelphia's lack of hitting has played a key role in this poor start as the Phillies bats rank in the bottom half of the league in both runs scored per game and K%.
Looking at Wednesday's projected lineup, the strikeout could continue to be an issue as six of the nine hitters possess a K% north of 23% this season. That's a lot of swings-and-misses, which is why Gausman's strikeout prop is as high as 7.5.
Blue Jays vs. Phillies Betting Pick
However, the right-hander is averaging 8.8 strikeouts over his past five starts, something likely to continue against Philadelphia. Through 123 career plate appearances against Gausman, this Phillies roster possesses a 21.1 K% and a 24.8 Whiff%.
In his most recent start against Philadelphia (last season), Gausman recorded eight strikeouts over six innings. At plus-money, it's worth taking a shot on that to occur once again.
