The Toronto Blue Jays will be well-rested going into Game 1 of their series with the Tampa Bay Rays after a day off, so I'm rocking with the road 'dogs as part of my Blue Jays vs. Rays predictions.
With Jose Soriano on the mound and a rested bullpen behind him, plus the Blue Jays owning strong numbers against Rays starter Nick Martinez, I'm seeing a slight edge we can take advantage of.
Let’s dive into my MLB picks for Tuesday, Aug. 18, and cash a same-game parlay, shall we?
Blue Jays vs Rays predictions
Blue Jays vs Rays best bet: Blue Jays moneyline (+115)
When I say this could be the best spot to bet the Toronto Blue Jays during this three-game set in Tampa, I come with support.
Nick Martinez goes for the Tampa Bay Rays, and on top of not being able to miss any bats this season (14% K rate, 17% whiff rate), the Blue Jays own a .310 xBA and .352 xwOBA against him while striking out at just a 10% clip.
On the other side is Jose Soriano, who's limiting the Rays to a .245 xBA, including shutting down their star Yandy Diaz over 14 at-bats (.212 xBA).
It helps that the Rays have a taxed bullpen, too, using a combined five arms last night after Shane McClanahan got the early hook.
Coming into this game losers of three of their last four after a tough series against the Baltimore Orioles, expect the Jays to come out swinging.
I'd play this to +105.
COVERS INTEL: It could be the George Springer show against Martinez. The veteran is 8-for-19 with two homers with a .401 xBA against the right-hander.
Blue Jays vs Rays same-game parlay (SGP)
The Jays are winners of six straight series, and the Rays' pitching has been getting absolutely pummeled, surrendering 26 runs across their last four games.
Martinez is a sinker-ball pitcher, throwing it 30% of the time. It's a pitch Ernie Clement owns a .368 average against, playing right into our hands. Look for the Jays, and Clement, to get to the Rays' right-hander early and take advantage of an extremely tired bullpen.
We're playing it safer in the same-game parlay and rocking with the Blue Jays on the run line, giving us multiple opportunities to cash today.
Blue Jays vs Rays SGP
- Blue Jays +1.5
- Blue Jays team total Over 3.5 runs
- Ernie Clement H/R/RBI
Alberta: Sports betting is now live!
Regulated Alberta sports betting has officially launched, allowing sportsbooks to operate under provincial oversight.
You can sign up and join BET99 — one of the best Alberta betting apps — now to get in on the Blue Jays action!
Blue Jays vs Rays home run pick: Ernie Clement (+1200)
Outside of Springer, Clement has the strongest numbers against Martinez, owning a .689 xSLG with a homer against the righty across seven at-bats. I'm staying off Springer for the most part today due to the sore shoulder he's playing through, which could suppress his power.
Clement came off the bench and played in Game 2 against the Yankees (going 2-for-2) and is in a prime spot to hit his first homer since Aug. 5 against a contact pitcher. Lock him in as a long-shot play.
- Best bets: 3-4, +0.61 units
- SGPs: 0-6, -1.4 units
- HR picks: 0-6, -1.4 units
Blue Jays vs Rays odds
- Moneyline: Toronto (+115) | Tampa Bay (-135)
- Run line: Toronto +1.5 (-190) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+160)
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-110) | Under 7.5 (-110)
Blue Jays vs Rays trend
The Over is 5-0 in Blue Jays' last five games as a road underdog. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Rays.
How to watch Blue Jays vs Rays and game info
| Location | Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL |
| Date | Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | Sportsnet, Rays.TV |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher | Jose Soriano (9-6, 3.16 ERA) |
| Rays starting pitcher | Nick Martinez (12-3, 2.74 ERA) |
Blue Jays vs Rays latest injuries
Blue Jays vs Rays weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
