It’s almost poetic that Jose Berrios will throw the first pitch of the Toronto Blue Jays 2024 MLB season after the way last year ended.
However, they’ll get thrown into the fire on Opening Day as the MLB odds have them listed as underdogs as they travel to one of their most hated venues, Tropicana Field to take on the Tampa Bay Rays.
Can Berrios get the Jays’ season off to a solid start? I break down this American League East rivalry and bring you the best bet in my MLB picks and predictions for Blue Jays vs. Rays.
Blue Jays vs Rays odds
Blue Jays vs Rays predictions
Yes, the Toronto Blue Jays will attempt to exercise some postseason demons in 2024 and it feels appropriate that Jose Berrios will throw the first pitch for the Jays this season after getting unfathomably pulled from what turned out to be the final game of the year.
Berrios was attempting to save the Jays’ season and was throwing a gem before getting inexplicably lifted after just three innings. Now, thanks in part to a Kevin Gausman injury, the veteran right-hander will be on the bump for Opening Day set to face off against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Now, it’s well known that the Blue Jays have struggled at Tropicana Field over the years but they’ll have some confidence with Berrios on the mound.
Berrios made two starts against the Rays last season, both resulting in Blue Jays wins. He limited Tampa Bay to one run on four hits while striking out six in an April 23 meeting. He followed that up by going seven innings with just one run allowed on five hits with five punchouts.
That said, there are a few Rays who have been a thorn in the side of Berrios. Would you be shocked to hear one of them is Randy Arozarena?
Randy is a Blue Jays killer. The Rays electric outfielder had a .296 batting average and a .991 OPS in nine games against the Jays last season. He’s also had plenty of success against Berrios in his career, going 4-11 with a double. Good for a .333 expected batting average.
Arozarena is also coming off a season in which he drove in 83 runs and should get plenty of opportunities to drive in more this season as he is expected to hit third in the lineup behind on-base king Yandy Diaz.
Randy loves to show out when the lights are brightest and Opening Day falls in that category. Take him to drive in a run today.
My best bet: Randy Arozarena Over 0.5 RBIs (+210 at PROLINE+)
Blue Jays vs Rays same-game parlay
Blue Jays moneyline
Over 7.5
This is an early-season value play. While the Blue Jays struggled against above .500 teams in 2023, they were actually pretty competitive against a Rays team that normally gives them problems.
Toronto went 6-7 against Tampa Bay last season, outscoring them 87-70 (thanks in part to one 20-1 Blue Jays blowout). Basically meaning these teams played tight competitive games.
They also played high-scoring games, cashing the Over in 12-consecutive meetings. While both Berrios and Zach Eflin pitched well last season, I wouldn’t expect either to go much farther than five innings.
Meaning multiple innings for a Rays bullpen that took an unexpected step back in 2023, and a Jays one that is dealing with a few injuries heading into Opening Day.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Blue Jays vs Rays moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Blue Jays hit the board for Opening Day as +110 road underdogs. The Rays have seen the early action with the line moving to Toronto +120.
- The Blue Jays went 3-4 at Tropicana Field in 2023.
- The total opened at 7.5 and that's where it remains as of early Thursday afternoon.
- The Rays surprising offense in 2023 made them one of the best Over bets in baseball last year, going 89-68-4 O/U.
Trend to know
The Blue Jays and Rays have played Over 7.5 runs in 12 consecutive meetings. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Rays
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Blue Jays vs Rays game info
| Location: | Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL |
| Date: | Thursday, March 28, 2024 |
| First pitch: | 4:10 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, Bally Sun |
Starting pitchers
Jose Berrios (0-0, 0.00 ERA): Berrios bounced back last season after a disastrous 2022 campaign, pitching to a 3.65 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. He also allowed just two earned runs on nine hits while striking out 11 over 12 innings vs. the Rays last season.
Zach Eflin (0-0, 0.00 ERA): Eflin was the latest Rays reclamation pitching project. Following several mediocre years with the Philadelphia Phillies Eflin pitched to a career-best 3.50 ERA a 1.02 WHIP, finishing sixth in AL Cy Young voting.
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