Toronto Blue Jays (89-73 last season) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (99-63 last season)
The Toronto Blue Jays (89-73 last season) are set to take on the Tampa Bay Rays (99-63 last season) in an eagerly anticipated early-season clash. With both teams having strong previous seasons, this matchup is one to watch for fans and bettors alike. As the game draws near, enthusiasts and bettors are scouting the best online betting opportunities to capitalize on this face-off.
Toronto Blue Jays showed a great season final last year in the end with a 89-73 record. The team’s batting average of .256 with a strong slugging percentage supported their capability to run plays, indicated by 188 home runs. However, their .340 on-base percentage, although better compared to last year, points to the possibility of improving in advancing runners. In a banner-year for the Jays’ pitching staff, they accumulated a respectable 3.78 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, which is evidence of their ability to keep opponents in check.
On the contrary, Tampa Bay Rays had one of the best seasons as they recorded 99-63 in their result. However, their batting lineup may have been the slight leader, with .260 batting average and 230 home runs joined to produce them 860 runs. The Rays were also impressive in their pitching, posting a second-best ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.18, which was a notch above the rest. The fact that they were able to limit the walk count, as well as the lower batting average compared to the Blue Jays (.231 compared to .241) was what made them victorious most of the time.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays Game Info
| When: | Friday, March 29, 2024, at 6:50 PM ET |
| Where: | Tropicana Field |
| TV: | MLBN |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Chris Bassitt (16-6 W-L, 3.6 ERA) vs. Aaron Civale (2-3 W-L, 5.36 ERA)
Chris Bassitt with a very impressive 16-6 win-loss ratio and a good 3.6 ERA from the last season, is a dependable pitcher we can rely on this season. He proved his pitches can take him for 200 innings with 186 strike outs, making him a reliable and efficient starting pitcher. Bassitt’s role in achieving this outcome will be impeccable due to good WHIP of 1.18
On the contrary, his 2-3 win-loss record and an ERA of 5.36 for 45.1 innings pitched in his previous season also proved to be more challenging. However, Civale was far from perfect in terms of the number of strikeouts (58) and allowing walk-ins. His test against the potent Blue Jays’ lineup will be instrumental in assessing the Rays defense at play.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Toronto Blue Jays Betting Trends
In the last 5 games, the Blue Jays have been displaying both positive results and otherwise with the overall winning rate of 40%. The road game stats from last season of 39-42 suggest the possibility of gaps appearing as they travel away. Another thing about their games is their tendency to go OVER in totals – a betting strategy with a hint that this team has an offensive strength to work with.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends
The Rays head into this matchup boasting of good momentum, they have won 4 out of the last 5 games. The home-road performance against the spread (44-37) exhibiting over-performance is a manifestation of their capability to surpass the expectation. The unique OVER totals signify high-scoring games and this may influence your betting choices.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays 3/29/24 Betting Picks
With the past seasons and recent trends in mind, this match will definitely be very thrilling. The Rays’ slightly better batting and pitching numbers, along with the momentum they have coming into the game, give them a slight advantage.
On the other hand, the main challenge will be Bassitt’s pitching abilities against the Rays’ high-powered batting crew. With what Civale had gone through last season, if the Blue Jays can play to this, they will triumph the odds. The Rays, however, still have a slight edge as their consistency and home advantage are the determining factors in this matchup.
Look for the total to lean towards OVER, considering both teams’ tendencies and the firepower in their lineups. Expert MLB picks would likely favor the Rays, but don’t discount the Blue Jays’ ability to make this a highly competitive game.
