MLB Betting Preview (Aug. 22): Angels vs. Blue Jays predictions

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Angel Stadium.

Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 22, 2024, 11:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 22, 2024, 11:37 EDT

After dropping two of three games to the Cincinnati Reds earlier this week, the Toronto Blue Jays will open a four-game set with the Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre on Thursday night.

Toronto blew a 6-0 lead on Wednesday night, eventually falling 11-7 to the Reds in the series finale. All three games in the series with the Reds played over the total.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, is coming off a 3-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. The Angels salvaged just one win in the three-game set and they’ve now lost four consecutive series.

These two teams met for three games just over a week ago, with Toronto claiming a sweep in Anaheim. Two of the three games played under the total.

Let’s dive into the game odds for Thursday’s clash between the Angels and Blue Jays courtesy of bet365:

Angels vs. Blue Jays odds

Angels Moneyline Odds	+145
Blue Jays Moneyline Odds	-170
Runline Odds	Blue Jays -1.5 (+120), Angels -1.5 (-140)
Over/Under	Over 8.5 runs (-120), Under 8.5 runs (+100)
Time/Date	Aug 22, 7:07 p.m. ET
TV	Broadcast: Sportsnet, Sportsnet+

Betting Los Angeles Angels (54-73 SU, 71-56 ATS, 59-62-6 o/u)

The Angels were outscored 19-5 by the Blue Jays in their first series this season, and scoring runs in general is a huge issue for them lately. They’ve scored three runs or less in eight of their last nine games, averaging just 2.66 runs per game during that span.

The team’s undisputed best player, Mike Trout, is out for the season with a knee injury, and Anthony Rendon, who is on the books for over $38 million in salary for two more years after this season, has produced next to nothing for the squad.

The only bright spot offensively for the Angels has been shortstop Zach Neto, who leads the team in hits (111), home runs (19), and RBIs (63).

Betting Toronto Blue Jays (59-68 SU, 65-62 ATS, 69-55-3 o/u)

With the postseason out of reach, many Blue Jays fans were hoping to see Canadian Joey Votto get the call up from the minors in September. However, the 2010 National League MVP and six-time All-Star surprisingly announced his retirement on Wednesday, putting an end to that possibility. Votto’s attempt to return to the majors was thwarted by injuries all year, so the legendary first baseman finally made the decision to hang up his cleats.

On the field, the Blue Jays have to be encouraged by the recent hot play of George Springer, who launched another home run on Wednesday after swatting a pair on Tuesday against the Reds. He now has 17 bombs on the season, but he went hitless over the last three-game series against the Angels.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also turned in another solid outing Wednesday, going 1-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Vladdy is slashing an incredible .343/.417/.562 with 13 homers and 42 RBIs at Rogers Centre this season.

Probable starting pitchers

Los Angeles: TBD

Toronto: TBD

Weather

Forecasts are calling for pleasant temperatures around 20 C under clear skies. Winds will blow at 7 mph from left field to right field.

MLB betting trends

The Blue Jays have played over the total in 41 of their last 63 games.
The Blue Jays have covered the runline in 15 of their last 24 games.
The under is 6-3 in the Angels’ last nine games.

MLB player prop trends

Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho has hit safety in six straight games.
Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel has also hit safely in six straight games.
Springer has homered in back-to-back games.

Angels vs. Blue Jays predictions

This is a tough game to handicap as of Thursday morning, as both starting pitchers are still to be announced. However, if I had to make a play, it would be on the Angels to score under 3.5 runs (-110). They’re collectively slashing a dismal .212/.300/.342 over the last seven days and have struck out 73 times, the most in the majors during that span.