The Toronto Blue Jays snapped a three-game losing streak against the Washington Nationals on Saturday but send a wild card to the mound this afternoon as Alek Manoah is set to make his first start of the season after being recalled from Triple-A.
Manoah has looked shaky in the minors and my Blue Jays vs. Nationals predictions expect Washington's offense will take advantage.
I dig deeper into the matchup with my MLB picks for Sunday, May 5 below.
Blue Jays vs Nationals prediction
My best bet
Nationals team total Over 3.5 (-122 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
The Washington Nationals were held to just three runs in Saturday's loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. However, their bats exploded for nine in the series opener and I suspect we’ll see more of that this afternoon as Alek Manoah takes the mound for Toronto.
Manoah has been an interesting case for the Blue Jays over the past couple of seasons — he posted a sterling 2.24 ERA and 0.99 WHIP across 31 starts in 2022 but crashed down to earth last year with a 5.87 ERA and 1.74 WHIP through 19 appearances and only made two MLB starts after July.
The right-hander has only pitched in Single-A and Triple-A this season and hasn’t looked great, going 0-2 with a 6.50 ERA across four Triple-A starts. Nevertheless, Manoah will get another shot.
Washington has been extremely streaky at the plate of late, scoring 7+ runs in four of their last five wins and averaging 8.00 runs per game over that span, while only scoring four total runs across their previous three defeats.
It’s hard to say how much leash the Jays will give Manoah in his first MLB start since August 2023, but I would expect the Nationals to pounce on what should be a rusty pitcher. One such National could be breakout shortstop CJ Abrams, who is hitting .287/.353/.574 with seven home runs and eight stolen bases. One of Manoah's biggest issues in 2023 was a spike in home runs allowed, which Abrams can easily exploit if the righty isn't sharp.
Manoah also hurt himself by issuing free passes, which will be an even bigger problem if he walks the speedy and opportunistic Abrams.
Blue Jays star player prop
My best bet
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 hits (+190 at PROLINE+)
It’s been a tough start to the season for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but the Blue Jays slugger may be finally turning things around. Vladdy enters Sunday on a seven-game hitting streak with nine knocks over that span, bringing his batting average from a brutal .206 on April 26 to a somewhat respectable .231.
Nats starter Mackenzie Gore has given up at least five hits in five of his six appearances this season while putting up just one quality start, so Guerrero should have a good shot at keeping his hot streak going with a couple more hits, especially considering Vlad is batting .292 vs. lefties on the season.
Ontario sports bettors: Play the Jays your way with PROLINE+
Ontario-owned and operated, PROLINE+ has a robust market offering at its disposal and reinvests 100% of its profits back into the province — join today!
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Blue Jays vs Nationals odds
Blue Jays vs Nationals live odds
Blue Jays vs Nationals opening odds
- Run line: Toronto -1.5 (+150) | Washington +1.5 (-180)
- Moneyline: Toronto -115 | Washington -105
- Over/Under: Over 8 (-105) | Under 8 (-115)
Blue Jays vs Nationals spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Nationals are heating up with six wins in their last nine games while the Blue Jays are 3-8 over their last 11.
- Today’s total opened at 8 runs with the Over going 6-2 in Washington’s last eight games and the Under going 10-5 in Toronto’s last 15.
- Both clubs are near the bottom of the standings in runs per game with Washington (3.97) tied for 19th and Toronto (3.53) ranked 29th.
- The Nationals have been better at the plate since late April, though, averaging 5.5 runs per game over their last eight contests.
Blue Jays vs Nationals trend
The Over is 8-1-1 in the last 10 meetings. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Nationals
Blue Jays vs Nationals game info
| Location: | Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. |
| Date: | Sunday, 5-5-2024 |
| First pitch: | 1:35 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet One, MASN |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher: | Alek Manoah (0-0, 0.00 ERA) |
| Nationals starting pitcher: | MacKenzie Gore (2-3, 3.19 ERA) |
Blue Jays vs Nationals latest injuries
Blue Jays vs Nationals weather
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
