After exploding for 15 runs last night, offense will be tough to find in Game 2 as part of my Blue Jays vs. Rays prediction.
Yes, the Toronto Blue Jays, who come into this one as +175 underdogs at BET99, will be in tough against Tampa Bay Rays ace Drew Rasmussen, but they should do enough to keep it close as they continue their tear toward the postseason.
Let’s dive into my MLB picks for Wednesday, Aug. 19, and cash another same-game parlay, shall we?
Blue Jays vs Rays predictions
Blue Jays vs Rays best bet: Under 8 (-120)
We all know Tampa Bay Rays ace Drew Rasmussen, but it's actually Max Scherzer of the Toronto Blue Jays who ultimately led me to hit this button.
After struggling to begin the season, Scherzer has found his footing over his last three starts, allowing just four earned runs in 16 1/3 innings.
He continues to shine while the Jays battle for the final Wild Card, and his chase rate has actually been elite, leaving hitters guessing at a 34% clip. He should do enough to limit the Rays' potent offense and keep us under the number here.
Rasmussen has pitched at a Cy Young level this season and has coughed up just two runs across his last 25 innings. Scary stuff if you're a Blue Jays fan.
Toronto will have to earn it today, as Rasmussen's 4.5% walk rate is the lowest of his career and puts him in the 98th percentile among pitchers. This is shaping up to be a pitcher's duel.
I'd play this up to -130.
COVERS INTEL: Can Alejandro Kirk be stopped? He's registered 12 hits, two homers, and seven RBI during his seven-game hit streak, and has some of the best numbers against Rasmussen in this lineup, owning a .278 xBA.
Blue Jays vs Rays same-game parlay (SGP)
You know my reasoning behind this potential pitcher's duel, but Kirk has been arguably the hottest hitter in baseball over the last couple of weeks — he sees a strong matchup for him tonight, too.
Rasmussen throws his sinker 22% of the time, a pitch Kirk loves to see, owning a .275 xBA and 42% hard-hit rate against it. With a low-scoring game on deck, I'll take the Jays to keep this one close as they aim for their seventh straight series win.
We cashed last night, so let's do it again.
Blue Jays vs Rays SGP
- Under 8
- Alejandro Kirk 2+ hits + runs + RBI
- Blue Jays +1.5
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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: Kazuma Okamoto (+550)
Can Kazuma Okamoto stay hot? He's coming off a bomb last night, which set a new Blue Jays rookie home run record with his 25th of the season, breaking a tie with Eric Hinske. He's hit one of those against Rasmussen, against whom he owns a .544 xSLG. If we're looking for edges in this specific matchup, I'll run with Okamoto at this price.
- Best bets: 4-4, +2.91 units
- SGPs: 1-6, -0.7 units
- HR picks: 0-7, -1.6 units
Blue Jays vs Rays odds
- Moneyline: Toronto (+175) | Tampa Bay (-215)
- Run line: Toronto +1.5 (-120) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+100)
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-110) | Under 7.5 (-110)
Blue Jays vs Rays trend
The Under is 4-1 in the Blue Jays' last five games vs. the American League East. 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 | Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | Sportsnet, Rays.TV |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher | Max Scherzer (1-5, 6.59 ERA) |
| Rays starting pitcher | Drew Rasmussen (12-5, 2.78 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.
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