Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/17/2024 8:05 PM EST
We have your Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Toronto Blue Jays hit the road to face the Texas Rangers.
Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: Toronto Blue Jays +122 (Caesars) / Texas Rangers -142 (FanDuel)
Best Spread Odds: -1.5 - Toronto Blue Jays -180 (ESPN BET) / Texas Rangers +155 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 7.5 - Under -100 (FanDuel) / Over -115 (ESPN BET)
Game Info
Date: 9/17/2024
Time: 8:05 PM EST
Location: Globe Life Field (Arlington, Texas)
TV: MLB.TV
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
In the three games played between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers this season, Toronto emerged victorious in all three matchups. The games took place over a span of three consecutive days, from July 26 to July 28, 2024. Each game saw the home team, Toronto, securing the win, with the visiting Texas Rangers unable to claim a victory. In terms of betting outcomes, Toronto covered the spread in two of the three games, while Texas managed to cover the spread once. All three games went over the set over-under line, indicating high-scoring affairs. Across these games, Toronto consistently outperformed Texas, both in terms of runs scored and overall gameplay.
The most recent game on July 28, 2024, saw the Toronto Blue Jays defeating the Texas Rangers with a final score of 7-3. Toronto took an early lead in the first inning with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s sacrifice fly and Daulton Varsho's two-run homer, setting the score at 3-0. Guerrero Jr. extended the lead with a solo home run in the third inning, followed by Addison Barger's two-run double, making it 6-0. Texas responded in the sixth inning with Nathaniel Lowe's RBI single, but Toronto's Leo Jimenez added a sacrifice fly in the same inning, bringing the score to 7-1. Texas managed to score two more runs in the eighth inning with Josh Smith's two-run homer, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. Toronto's pitching staff allowed three earned runs over nine innings, while Texas's pitchers gave up seven earned runs in eight innings.
Throughout the series, Toronto demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, consistently scoring runs and maintaining a solid defense. In the first game on July 26, Toronto narrowly defeated Texas 6-5, with both teams showing competitive play. The second game on July 27 saw Toronto winning 7-3, with a dominant performance that included 15 hits. Across the series, Toronto's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain pressure on Texas's pitching staff was evident. The Blue Jays' consistent performance at home, coupled with their ability to cover the spread in two out of three games, highlights their dominance in this matchup.
Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers Preview
As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare to face the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, both teams find themselves in a precarious position in the American League wild-card race. The Blue Jays, with a record of 72-78, are slightly ahead of the Rangers, who stand at 71-79. This series is crucial for both teams as they strive to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The Rangers have struggled recently, losing three consecutive games and five of their last six, which has pushed them 8 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot. Manager Bruce Bochy has expressed his frustration, noting the challenges of maintaining championship-level performance year after year. The Rangers' offensive production has notably declined from last season, with the team hitting only 158 home runs compared to 233 the previous year. The absence of Corey Seager, who is out for the season with a sports hernia, has further compounded their struggles.
On the mound for Texas will be Nathan Eovaldi, who holds an 11-8 record with a 3.67 ERA. Eovaldi's recent performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks was less than stellar, as he allowed four runs over five innings. He will need to regain his form to give the Rangers a fighting chance against a Blue Jays lineup that has shown offensive prowess.
Toronto, meanwhile, will counter with Chris Bassitt, who has a 10-13 record and a 4.20 ERA. Bassitt is coming off a strong outing against the New York Mets, where he allowed just one run over six innings. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure will be key for the Blue Jays as they look to capitalize on the Rangers' recent slump.
Offensively, the Blue Jays have been led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has been a force with 41 doubles and 28 home runs this season. The team boasts a .314 on-base percentage, ranking sixth in the American League, and will look to leverage this advantage against a Rangers team that has been vulnerable defensively.
Injuries have plagued both teams, with the Rangers missing several key players, including Jon Gray and Evan Carter, while the Blue Jays are without Bo Bichette and Jordan Romano. These absences will test the depth of both rosters as they vie for critical wins in this series.
Given the offensive capabilities of both teams and their recent performances, this matchup promises to be a high-scoring affair. The Blue Jays have demonstrated their ability to score runs consistently, and with the Rangers' pitching staff struggling, fans can expect an exciting and competitive series.
Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers Pick: Total Runs Over
As the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers prepare to face off, the expectation for a high-scoring game is well-founded. Both teams have shown the ability to generate runs, and recent performances suggest that this trend will continue. The Blue Jays have consistently demonstrated their offensive prowess, as evidenced by their recent series against the Rangers in July, where all three games went over the set over-under line. Toronto's lineup, led by the formidable Vladimir Guerrero Jr., has been effective in capitalizing on scoring opportunities, boasting a .314 on-base percentage, which ranks sixth in the American League. This offensive capability is likely to challenge a Rangers pitching staff that has struggled to maintain consistency.
On the other side, the Rangers, despite their recent slump, have shown flashes of offensive potential. While their home run production has dipped compared to last season, they still possess the ability to score in bunches, particularly when playing at home, where they hold a 41-34 record. The absence of key players like Corey Seager has undoubtedly impacted their offensive output, but the team has managed to score at least five runs in 42 games this season, indicating that they can still put up numbers when needed.
Pitching matchups further support the case for a high-scoring affair. Nathan Eovaldi, starting for the Rangers, has had a solid season but is coming off a less-than-stellar performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he allowed four runs in five innings. His recent struggles with pitch location could be exploited by a potent Blue Jays lineup. Meanwhile, Chris Bassitt, taking the mound for Toronto, has been reliable but faces a Rangers team eager to break out of their offensive funk.
Given these factors, the over on the total runs line appears to be a strong pick. Both teams have the offensive tools to contribute to a high-scoring game, and with the stakes high in the wild-card race, expect both lineups to be aggressive in their approach. Fans should anticipate an exciting matchup with plenty of scoring opportunities on both sides.
Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers Top Player Prop Picks
Nathan Eovaldi Under 5.5 Strikeouts -130 (FanDuel)
Nathan Eovaldi has been a reliable pitcher for the Texas Rangers this season, boasting an 11-8 record with a 3.67 ERA. However, his recent performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he allowed four runs and seven hits in just five innings, raises concerns about his current form. Eovaldi himself admitted to struggling with pitch location, particularly with his fastball and splitter, which could be problematic against a Toronto Blue Jays lineup known for its offensive prowess. Given the Blue Jays' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, as evidenced by their .314 on-base percentage, Eovaldi may find it challenging to rack up strikeouts. With the Rangers' recent struggles and Eovaldi's inconsistency, the under on 5.5 strikeouts appears to be a prudent choice.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 Hits Runs RBIs -130 (BetMGM)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a standout performer for the Toronto Blue Jays, contributing significantly to their offensive success this season. With 41 doubles and 28 home runs, Guerrero Jr. has consistently demonstrated his ability to impact games both at the plate and on the base paths. In the previous series against the Rangers, Guerrero Jr. played a pivotal role, including a solo home run and a sacrifice fly that helped secure a victory. Given the Rangers' recent pitching struggles and Guerrero Jr.'s track record of success against them, the over on 1.5 hits, runs, and RBIs is a compelling pick. His ability to drive in runs and score himself makes him a constant threat, and with the Blue Jays' lineup firing on all cylinders, expect Guerrero Jr. to be at the heart of their offensive efforts.
George Springer Over 0.5 Singles -125 (bet365)
George Springer has been a key contributor to the Blue Jays' offense, and his ability to get on base is crucial for setting the table for the power hitters behind him. With the Rangers' pitching staff struggling to find consistency, Springer is well-positioned to exploit any lapses in their defense. His knack for finding gaps and reaching base makes the over on 0.5 singles an attractive proposition. In a game where both teams are expected to generate plenty of scoring opportunities, Springer's role as a catalyst at the top of the lineup will be vital. His experience and skill in navigating opposing pitchers make him a reliable bet to notch at least one single in this matchup.
