MLB Betting Preview (April 26): Dodgers vs. Blue Jays predictions
By Greg Warren
9 hours agoThe Toronto Blue Jays will limp home to the Rogers Centre on Friday night to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a three-game set after dropping three of four games to the Royals in Kansas City earlier this week.
After taking the series opener Monday against the Royals, the Blue Jays couldn’t put up enough runs to compete with Kansas City over the next three games. The Royals won a rain-shortened 2-1 game Thursday to hand Toronto its third consecutive loss. These two teams will clash again for three more games at Rogers Centre next week.
The Dodgers are trending in the opposite direction, claiming wins in four straight games after sweeping the Washington Nationals earlier this week.
Let’s dive into the game odds for Friday’s clash between the Dodgers and Blue Jays via bet365:
Dodgers vs. Blue Jays odds
| Dodgers Moneyline Odds | -125 |
| Blue Jays Moneyline Odds | +105 |
| Runline Odds | Dodgers -1.5 (+135), Blue Jays +1.5 (-160) |
| Over/Under | Over 9 runs (-105), Under 9 runs (-115) |
| Time/Date | April 26, 7:07 p.m. ET |
| TV | Broadcast: Sportsnet 1, Sportsnet+ |
Betting Los Angeles Dodgers (16-11 SU, 12-15 ATS, 16-10-1 o/u)
Expectations couldn’t be higher for the Dodgers after they loaded up on star talent this winter, but they’ve gotten off to a relatively slow start by their standards. Yes, the team is leading the National League West Division by 2 1/2 games over the San Diego Padres, but the picture wasn’t quite as rosy until their current four-game win streak when they outscored the opposition 27-4 during that span.
Offensively, the team has thrived, ranking in the top three in the majors in batting average (.269 – second), on-base percentage (.350 – second), slugging percentage (.434 – third), OPS (.784 – second), and home runs (31 – third). Shohei Ohtani has been as good as advertised, slashing .358/.419/.670 with six homers and 16 RBIs and former Blue Jay Teoscar Hernandez is also fitting in nicely with his new team, stroking six home runs and collecting 20 RBIs.
On the pitching side of things, the Dodgers have been good, but not great, ranking 10th in runs allowed per game (4.2) while posting a team ERA of 3.82 (11th in majors). Their starting rotation could be downright scary later this year, though, once injured stars Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw return, among others.
Betting Toronto Blue Jays (13-13 SU, 14-12 ATS, 10-16 o/u)
It was a frustrating end to Toronto’s seven-game road trip Thursday. Although the team went a salvageable 3-4 on the trip, it ended on a sour note when the game went into a rain delay in the fifth inning. Umpires held the Jays in town for nearly four hours before deciding to call the game (it was already an official game when it went into delay) despite a horrific weather forecast loaded with more rain for the remainder of the evening. Blue Jays manager John Schneider wasn’t happy about the decision, and the field conditions they initially played through, after the game, and it stripped the team of the benefits of a getaway day start time to return home.
But more concerning is the fact that the Blue Jays simply can’t put enough runs up on the board to consistently record wins. Their 3.7 runs per game ranks 24th in the majors and they also rank in the bottom half of the league in team batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS. The team produced just 10 total runs (average of 2.5 per game) in the previous four-game series with the Royals.
Probable starting pitchers
Los Angeles: RHP Gavin Stone (1-1, 6.00 ERA, 8.00 K/9, 1.78 WHIP)
Stone will be making his fifth start of the season and is coming off a short outing against the New York Mets in which he walked five batters and allowed two earned runs on four hits in just over three innings of work. Control has been an issue for the righty early this season as he’s issued 10 free passes in 18 innings pitched. He’s never faced the Blue Jays, but Justin Turner does have a home run off him in just two career at-bats.
Toronto: RHP Chris Bassitt (2-3, 3.90 ERA, 8.46 K/9, 1.59 WHIP)
Bassitt took the loss last time out, allowing four runs – two earned – in just over five innings of work against the San Diego Padres. Like Stone, he’s also had issues with control, walking 14 batters in 27 2/3 innings pitched and at least two batters in each of his five starts. Bassitt has also been susceptible to the long ball, getting tagged for four home runs to this point. This will obviously be one of the most challenging lineups the veteran has faced this season.
Weather
It’ll likely be an indoor game at Rogers Centre as cool temperatures around 7 C are expected throughout the evening.
MLB betting trends
- The under is 6-1 in Toronto’s last seven games.
- The Jays have struggled as underdogs, going 3-7 SU this season.
- Toronto has hit the team total under in 40 of its past 66 home games (60.6% hit rate).
MLB player prop trends
- Bassitt has walked two or more batters in all five of his starts this season. He’s -190 to record over 1.5 walks.
- Daulton Varsho remains hot for the Blue Jays, carrying a six-game hitting streak into Friday while slashing .368/.455/.947 over the last 15 days. He’s -160 to get a hit and +475 to homer.
Dodgers vs. Blue Jays Predictions
- I’d consider placing single wagers on both starting pitchers to exceed their walk totals of 1.5 (-125 for Stone, -190 for Bassitt), but if you’re looking for more value, consider parlaying them at better +175 odds. Bassitt, in particular, will surely be tiptoeing around some of the big bats in the Dodgers’ loaded lineup and that should result in at least a couple of walks.
- Dodgers moneyline: -125. Considering the current form of both teams, this is a really good price on the loaded Dodgers. Keep betting against the Blue Jays’ offensive woes until they prove otherwise.
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