MLB Betting Preview (Aug. 23): Angels vs. Blue Jays predictions
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
By Greg Warren
Aug 23, 2024, 11:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 23, 2024, 11:27 EDT
The Toronto Blue Jays will attempt to continue their recent dominance over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night at Rogers Centre.
Toronto cruised to a 5-3 victory on Thursday to improve to 4-0 against Los Angeles this season. The Blue Jays were in complete control of the game, as a three-run homer in the ninth inning from the Angels during garbage time slightly skewed the final score.
The Angels have dropped five of their last six contests and eight of their last 10.
Let’s dive into the game odds for Friday’s clash between the Angels and Blue Jays courtesy of bet365:
Angels vs. Blue Jays odds
Angels Moneyline Odds | +170 |
Blue Jays Moneyline Odds | -205 |
Runline Odds | Blue Jays -1.5 (+100), Angels +1.5 (-120) |
Over/Under | Over 9 runs (+105), Under 9 runs (-125) |
Time/Date | Aug. 23, 7:07 p.m. ET |
TV | Broadcast: Sportsnet, Sportsnet+ |
Betting Los Angeles Angels (54-74 SU, 71-57 ATS, 59-63-6 o/u)
The Angels are mired in an offensive slump, averaging just 2.7 runs per game over their last 10 contests. On Thursday, the Angels were an out away from being shut out by the Blue Jays until Niko Kavadas belted a three-run homer to chip into Toronto’s 5-0 lead. Through four games with Toronto this season, the Angels have been outscored 24-8.
One player not struggling at the plate is Jo Adell, who accounted for three of the Angels’ nine hits on Thursday. He’ll be taking a six-game hitting streak into action Friday and has enjoyed multi-hit performances in two of his last three contests.
Betting Toronto Blue Jays (60-68 SU, 66-62 ATS, 69-56-3 o/u)
The rest of the season will be all about auditioning young players for next year’s roster, and Ernie Clement is making a case for himself. The infielder has homered in three straight games, including a two-run shot Thursday on a pitch that was nearly above his head. Clement was laughing with his teammates on the bench at the improbable long ball, and he’s definitely playing loose right now.
Bettors should know that Ryan Yarbrough, Tommy Nance, and Ryan Burr all threw 30 or more pitches on Thursday, which means they’re all likely unavailable out of the bullpen on Friday. That leaves Toronto with five relievers heading into this matchup, and all of those hurlers pitched on Wednesday. It’s not an ideal bullpen situation and something to monitor for in-game betting opportunities.
Probable starting pitchers
Los Angeles: RHP Jack Kochanowicz (1-3, 6.53 ERA, 3.05 K/9, 1.65 WHIP)
Kochanowicz, who stands at six-foot-seven, is an intimidating force on the mound due to his size. He throws a hard sinker around 95 mph the majority of the time, but batters are hitting a lofty .373 against it this season. His low K/9 total suggests he doesn’t fool many batters, but he is coming off a pair of solid starts against the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. He surrendered just four earned runs over 13 2/3 innings in that stretch while scattering 13 hits. Kochanowicz has coughed up exactly one home run in each of his four appearances this year.
Toronto: RHP Chris Bassitt (9-12, 4.34 ERA, 8.68 K/9, 1.44 WHIP)
Bassitt will be making his first start since making some bold comments during an interview with popular broadcaster Chris Rose that probably aren’t sitting well with Toronto’s front office. Bassitt said the Blue Jays have problems he doesn’t “think are fixable” and that they “didn’t have a pivot” after failing to sign two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani this past offseason. Bassitt later attempted to clarify those comments, but the damage may already be done. Bassitt is under contract for one more season at $22 million. On the field, Bassitt hasn’t been impressive lately, posting a 7.01 ERA in July and a 6.75 mark in August to this point.
Weather
Forecasts are calling for temperatures around 21 C under clear skies. Winds will blow out to centre field at 10 mph.
MLB betting trends
- The Blue Jays have covered the runline in 16 of their last 25 games.
- The under is 7-3 in the Angels’ last 10 games.
- The Angels have hit the first five innings (F5) team total under in eight of their last 10 games.
MLB player prop trends
- Kochanowicz has allowed six or more hits in all four of his appearances this season. He’s -170 to surrender 5.5 hits or more.
- Bassitt has allowed three or more earned runs in seven of his last eight starts. He’s +132 to go over 2.5 earned runs.
- Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho has hit safely in seven straight games. He’s -210 to record over 0.5 hits.
- Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel has also hit safety in seven straight games. He’s -225 to get a hit.
- Clement has homered in three straight games. He’s +900 to go deep again.
Angels vs. Blue Jays predictions
- It’s not often you see enticing +900 odds on a player to homer after he’s gone deep in three straight games. Throw a half unit on Clement and see if he can work his magic again on Friday.
- Our only recommended play Thursday was for the Angels to score under 3.5 runs and it cashed for us. This team is struggling mightily at the plate right now, so keep fading the Angels at the dish until they show otherwise. Take them to score under 3.5 runs again at -120.