Detroit Tigers vs Toronto Blue Jays Betting Picks

Defending American League champion Toronto is a disappointing 20-25. One reason for this is a well below par offense that averages 3.7 runs on the road, which ranks 26th, and is in the bottom 10 overall in homers and second to last in steals. The Tigers rank 10th offensively at home averaging 4.7 runs per game. Detroit's late inning relief staff could get a boost if Will Vest comes off the injured list today. Toronto is likely to be without closer Louis Varland after he pitched the final two innings in the Blue Jays' 2-1 victory against Detroit yesterday. Toronto starter Kevin Gausman has a 4.37 road ERA. Gausman has not been in great form either allowing 12 earned runs in his last three starts spanning 16.1 innings. Tiger starter Jack Flaherty has a disappointing 5.73 ERA, but is averaging an impressive 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings. Take the Tigers.

Toronto has lost five straight on the road, dropping to 6-14 away from home. The rotation is short of arms, so reliever Mason Fluharty (5.40 ERA) will start, with an 8.53 ERA on the road. Rookie right-hander Spencer Miles will follow in relief on a bullpen that ranks 18th in ERA (4.19). The offense is 25th in runs scored and on-base percentage, plus 22nd in slugging and 29th in steals. Detroit is 13-6 at home. The offense ranks 10th in on-base percentage, while starter Casey Mize (2.90 ERA) is holding batters to a .228 average and sports a 1.54 ERA at home. Play Detroit.

After falling a mere two outs short of a World Series title against the Dodgers, the Blue Jays are enduring a World Series hangover. They are just 19-24. The Tigers also have 19 wins. They are the home team and present good value here as an underdog. Detroit just returned from a six-game road swing. Toronto starter Trey Yesavage has the bigger name facing Detroit's Ty Madden. However, it is Madden who has done a better job of limiting base runners. Yesavage has a minuscule 0.68 ERA over 13.1 innings but has allowed 13 hits and five walks, resulting in a 1.35 WHIP. That is living dangerously. Madden has a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings paired with a 0.73 WHIP based on just six hits allowed and two walks. Yesavage is building up his stamina after missing the first month of the season. He is averaging fewer than five innings during his first three starts. The Blue Jays are 3-7 in their last 10 games. Their power has been down all season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has only two home runs. Take the Tigers.