Premium Record: 17-7, +18.5u
*MLB(1u): Rays ML(-109) vs Blue Jays–2:10 PM CT
The Blue Jays have gone on quite a run in September to put themselves squarely in the Wild Card race, but I’ve seen signs that indicate this team is starting to come back down to earth. They’ve scored 4 runs each of their past 2 games; that is certainly respectable, but it’s also nowhere near some of the outputs they were putting out earlier in the month. The Rays have one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball, and they have the advantage on the bump once again today. Rays SP Luis Patino has had an up-and-down rookie campaign, but he has been much more consistent pitching at Tropicana Field. The Jays will rely on Ross Stripling to get the bulk of their outs today; with a FIP at 5.10 and a HR/9 at 2.0, the Rays should be able to tee off. From there, the bullpen advantage swings heavily in Tampa Bay’s favor. It’s hard to bet against team’s like Toronto who score runs at will, but the Rays are the more complete ball club.
