Toronto Blue Jays Get One Last Shot to Catch the Yankees
Blue Jays are lucky the Yanks are slumping, too – AL East rivals set to play 4-game series this weekend
The Blue Jays have slumped their way into a lowly fourth-place position in the AL East. Losers of 8 of their last 10 games, when the story of the Jays' 2022 season eventually gets recorded, it could be noted that Toronto had plenty of opportunities, but ultimately ended up as one of MLB's most disappointing teams.
The club that many oddsmakers picked to win the AL pennant is now in very serious danger of missing the postseason altogether after a miserable August.
However, there's some good news – and even some hope. The Jays will get one more opportunity to make amends for underperforming and perhaps even make things interesting again when they open a four-game inner division series against the dreaded Yankees in New York.
They're catching the Yanks at the perfect time. After a blistering start to their season and a 17-game lead at one point, the Yankees too, are floundering. Yes, the previously unthinkable could still happen -- if the Rays, Orioles, or Jays go on a winning streak. The AL East race isn't quite settled yet. There's still enough time and games for a shake up. No doubt, the Blue Jays-Yankees series will go a long way towards determining the ultimate destiny of both of these rivals.
Toronto's series with New York happens this Thursday through Sunday. The first two games throw out the first pitch at nighttime (7:00 pm EDT start) while the two games on the backend will be day games (1:05 pm EDT start). We presume the Yankees will be clear favourites in all four games, perhaps even big faves in a few of the contests.
Prediction (powered by Pointspreads.ca):
Remarkably, the Yanks have the second-worst record in the American League since the All-Star break at 8-17. The Blue Jays have gone a very pedestrian 11-11.
Toronto has also been passed in the Wild Card race by both the Mariners and Rays. The Orioles (!) beat them for the second straight night on Tuesday while the Twins and White Sox are also in the chase. Unlike the Yankees who can afford this slump, Toronto has no division lead nor margin for error. This makes the Yankees series desperation time for the Jays.
We're unsure as to whether Toronto can rise to the occasion. While they've disappointed us, so far, let's agree there's still enough talent on paper to match the Yankees in just about any category. Which now brings us to recommended wagers.
Since the Jays will be underdogs in all games, we see some value in taking them at plus-money. The Yankees, who have scored 4 or fewer runs in 7 straight games shouldn't be sizable favourites against any winning team, right now.
So, we're inclined to bet on Toronto in all four games.
Note: This article is posted prior to Wednesday night's Baltimore-Toronto game.
