MLB Betting Preview (Aug. 14): Blue Jays vs. Angels predictions

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Will Wagner (7) runs after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium.

Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 14, 2024, 11:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 14, 2024, 11:40 EDT

The Toronto Blue Jays are in position Wednesday to pull off their first sweep since taking three games from the Texas Rangers in late July.

Toronto cruised to a 6-1 victory on Tuesday night over the Los Angeles Angels thanks to a strong performance from starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, who threw seven shutout innings, and a pair of homers from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Spencer Horwitz. Rookie Will Wagner also chipped in with a pair of hits and two RBIs.

Toronto will be off on Thursday before starting a three-game series with the Cubs in Chicago on Friday afternoon.

Let’s dive into the game odds for Wednesday’s series finale between the Blue Jays and Angels courtesy of bet365:

Blue Jays vs. Angels odds

Blue Jays Moneyline Odds	-105
Angels Moneyline Odds	-115
Runline Odds	Angels -1.5 (+170), Blue Jays +1.5 (-205)
Over/Under	Over 9 runs (+100), Under 9 runs (-120)
Time/Date	Aug. 14, 9:38 p.m. ET
TV	Broadcast: Sportsnet, Sportsnet+

Betting Toronto Blue Jays (56-64 SU, 60-60 ATS, 64-53-3 o/u)

Wagner has energized the Blue Jays since making his MLB debut on Monday, going 5-for-8 with three extra-base hits and three RBIs in his first two professional games. He’s just the fifth Blue Jays player ever to collect five hits over his first two games, joining Danny Ainge, Eric Hinske, Lloyd Moseby, and Davis Schneider. Wagner slashed .315/.432/.444 with six home runs and 43 RBI across 286 at-bats in Triple-A this season, spending time with both the Buffalo Bisons and Sugar Land Space Cowboys.

Guerrero Jr. launched his team-leading 24th homer of the campaign on Tuesday to stay red-hot at the plate. He’s slashing an incredible .449/.519/.933 with 10 homers and 22 RBIs since the All-Star break.

Betting Los Angeles Angels (52-68 SU, 69-51 ATS, 56-58-6 o/u)

The Angels have managed just three runs in this series against the Blue Jays, and all of them have been via solo home runs. Jo Adell, Mickey Moniak, and Willie Calhoun have all gone yard in the series, which isn’t surprising considering the Blue Jays have coughed up the most home runs (166) in the majors this season.

Zach Neto went 3-for-4 on Tuesday and stole a bag off Kevin Gausman, cashing one of our recommended plays yesterday. The Angels rank ninth in MLB in stolen bases (102), so look for them to run when they get the opportunity with the offence sputtering of late.

Probable starting pitchers

Toronto: RHP Jose Berrios (10-9, 3.97 ERA, 7.00 K/9, 1.21 WHIP)

Berrios tossed a gem against Oakland last Friday, holding the A’s to one run on six hits with eight strikeouts over seven innings. Two of his last three starts have been exceptional, which is good news after he largely struggled throughout the month of July. Bettors should know that he’s struggled on the road this season, posting a 5.29 ERA while allowing opposing batters to hit .272 off him away from Rogers Centre.

Los Angeles: LHP Tyler Anderson (9-10, 2.99 ERA, 6.92 K/9, 1.15 WHIP)

Anderson has been exceptional this year for the Angels. The soft-tossing lefty’s fastball only averages around 89 mph, but he ranks in the 100th percentile in offspeed run value, according to Baseball Savant. He’ll throw a devastating changeup often to right-handed batters, who are hitting just .165 against his best putaway pitch. Anderson is coming off a solid start against New York, holding the Yankees to just one run on three hits while striking out seven over six innings.

Weather

Forecasts are calling for temperatures around 24 C and clear skies at first pitch. Winds will blow out to centre field at 7 mph.

MLB betting trends

The Blue Jays have covered the runline in 26 of their last 39 road games.
The under is 4-1 in Toronto’s last five games.

MLB player prop trends

Berrios has struck out five or more batters in four straight starts and five of his last six. He’s -145 to record over 4.5 strikeouts.
Berrios has allowed six or more hits in three straight starts and seven of his last 10. He’s -120 to give up over 5.5 hits.
Guerrero Jr. has hit safely in 24 of his last 25 games. He’s -280 to get a hit, +100 to record over 1.5 total bases, and +375 to homer.

Blue Jays vs. Angels predictions

Under 9 runs: -120. It’s a little surprising to see this high of a total, although the under has considerable juice at -120, given the starting pitching matchup and the recent form of those pitchers. The Angels are averaging just three runs per game over their last five contests, and the Blue Jays aren’t exactly lighting it up offensively either lately, averaging just 3.4 runs per game over their last five.
Keep riding Vladdy until he cools off from his ridiculous hot streak at the plate. I’m taking him to record over 1.5 total bases at even-money odds.