Red Sox vs. Blue Jays Tuesday Prediction
Through two starts, Chris Sale has not looked like the dominant ace that he was a year ago for the World Series champion Red Sox. That said, is Tuesday afternoon a perfect rebound spot for Sale when Boston hosts the Blue Jays at 2:05 p.m. ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
913 Toronto Blue Jays (+220) at 914 Boston Red Sox (-270); 8 runs
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
2:05 p.m. ET, Fenway Park, Boston, MA
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetNow.eu, the Red Sox are -270 moneyline favorites. As of this writing, 68% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Red Sox to beat the Blue Jays on the moneyline.
This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Toronto Blue Jays Fantasy Spin
Justin Smoak is not in Tuesday’s lineup against the Red Sox. Smoak has been dealing with a neck issue lately and will take a seat against southpaw Chris Sale. Alen Hanson will make the start at first base and bat eighth. Lourdes Gurriel is in the DH spot while Richard Urena plays second base and Rowdy Tellez is on the bench.
Boston Red Sox Fantasy Spin
Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Chris Sale was dealing with an illness leading into his last start. Sale displayed career-low fastball velocity in his most recent start last Tuesday against the Athletics, largely relying on secondary pitches to make it through six innings. There’s been all sorts of speculation behind the alarming drop, but this would obviously make some sense. Cora added that Sale wasn’t able to throw on the side between his first and second starts. However, he was able to this time around. It’s encouraging news if you have been patient on Sale, but obviously we’ll still be paying plenty of attention to the radar gun when he starts against the Blue Jays in Boston’s home opener on Tuesday afternoon.
MLB Betting Trends
Toronto
The Blue Jays are 1-10 in their last 11 road games versus Boston and have dropped 27 of their last 36 games versus the Red Sox overall.
Boston
The Red Sox have won five of Sale’s last seven starts versus the Blue Jays.
Prediction:
Sale struggled in his first two starts but if what Cora is saying is true and the ace was sick, then it would go a long way in explaining why the 2018 postseason hero was off. While his drop in velocity is concerning, keep in mind that Sale also faced the Mariners, who have torched most pitchers they have faced to start the season, and the A’s, who can rack up a bunch runs in a hurry as well. Plus, it’s not as if Sale was dreadful in his start against Oakland. He held the A’s to one earned run on three hits over six innings. I’m counting on him to bounce back this afternoon and if he does, the Blue Jays’ team total of under 2.5 runs presents bettors will a ton of value. Toronto’s offense has been terrible and has posted an average strikeout rate of 26% against lefties. Sure, the margin of error is minuscule but I won’t pass up on the value.
The Pick: Toronto Blue Jays Team Total UNDER 2.5 Runs (+120)