Don’t look now but the Toronto Blue Jays finally seem to be finding some form – and a resurgent Alek Manoah gets the ball tonight as they go for back-to-back wins over the Detroit Tigers.
Toronto’s bats came alive late in yesterday’s 9-1 victory, exploding in the last two innings to build on a 10-strikeout effort from Kevin Gausman. That was a fifth straight loss for the Tigers, and they turn to Kenta Maeda here to try to halt their skid.
Check out my free Blue Jays vs Tigers predictions and MLB picks for this May 24 matchup.
Blue Jays vs Tigers prediction
My best bet
Blue Jays moneyline (-133 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
The Toronto Blue Jays have left themselves minimal margin for error after a slow start to the season, but they converted 13 hits into nine runs last night, in part thanks to home runs from Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Daulton Varsho, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
I see that power surge carrying over to tonight’s contest and I’m picking Toronto to take care of business again against the stumbling Detroit Tigers.
While it’s understandable to have some hesitation about wagering on an erratic Blue Jays offense, their starting pitching is in the midst of a hot streak – and Alek Manoah has seemingly rediscovered his 2022 form in his last two starts.
He enters tonight’s game with a 3.00 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in three starts this year, and the big righty has been on the attack consistently. Manoah has racked up six or more strikeouts in each of his three outings, and he gave up just one hit through seven innings against the Tampa Bay Rays last weekend.
The Blue Jays are into a friendlier portion of their schedule and need to string together victories with major ground to make up in the AL wildcard race. Toronto has responded well so far, holding opponents to three runs or fewer in six of the last nine contests.
They’ve won three of their last four games and they’re worthy favorites here, especially with Detroit starter Kenta Maeda making his first start off the IL after a rough outing where he gave up seven runs on five hits.
I’m buying into the visitors’ uptick in run production and Manoah’s impressive recent form. They simply can’t afford to keep taking two steps forward and one step back.
Blue Jays star player prop
My best bet
Bo Bichette Over 0.5 RBI (+145 at PROLINE+)
Bo Bichette was in the zone yesterday with a three-hit night and, like team-mate Vladimir Guerrero Jr., his numbers have looked much healthier in May. That changes the ceiling for this Toronto team.
The Blue Jays have done plenty of tinkering with their line-up lately but seem to have settled on Bichette in the clean-up spot – and there’s every reason to stick with that. Bichette has thumped nine hits over his past four contests and his batting average sits at .290 this month, with nine RBIs.
Detroit looks vulnerable, and I’m picking Bo to add to his RBI tally here. Plus, he’s already registered a double against Manning in a prior at-bat.
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Blue Jays vs Tigers odds
Blue Jays vs Tigers live odds
Blue Jays vs Tigers opening odds
- Run line: Toronto -1.5 | Detroit +1.5
- Moneyline: Toronto -104 | Detroit -104
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Blue Jays vs Tigers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Blue Jays have feasted at the plate this week, scoring nine runs in each of their last three wins, and the line has shifted towards the visitors after opening as a -110 toss-up.
- Toronto’s high-leverage bullpen arms are well rested after the team’s lopsided wins this week and that spells trouble for the hosts, who are just 10-14 at Comerica Park this year.
- The Under is 28-20 for the Blue Jays this season, largely due to their offensive shortcomings in April, and it’s 7-3 in the past 10 meetings between these teams.
- But the Tigers have hit the Over in eight of their last 10 games and they’ve allowed eight or more runs in each of their last four contests – all losses. That feels like the stronger play on an 8.5-run O/U line tonight.
Blue Jays vs Tigers trend
The Tigers have slipped below .500 and have only covered the run line in six of their last 24 home games. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Tigers
Blue Jays vs Tigers game info
| Location: | Comerica Park, Detroit, MI |
| Date: | Friday, 5-24-2024 |
| First pitch: | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SN1, BSDET |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher: | Alek Manoah (1-1, 3.00 ERA) |
| Tigers starting pitcher: | Kenta Maeda (1-1, 6.758 ERA) |
Blue Jays vs Tigers latest injuries
Blue Jays vs Tigers weather
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