MLB Predictions: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays

The Toronto Blue Jays (38-36) and Tampa Bay Rays (39-37) will open up a three-game American League East series Monday night at Tropicana Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are 4-3 at home with a money line of -100 to -125 in 2013

Toronto tied a franchise record by winning its 11th consecutive game, as it picked up a 13-5 home victory over the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, while going OVER the betting total of 8.5. “We’re just rolling along, right now,” commented Blue Jays manager John Gibbons. The Blue Jays were 10 games under .500 on June 4, but have now climbed two games ahead of that mark. Over the last 11 games, the starting rotation has compiled a 2.25 ERA, while the bullpen has been remarkable. Toronto is 9-9 as road underdogs of +100 to +125, with the UNDER going 9-8-1 in that situation.

Blue Jays starting pitcher Esmil Rogers (3-2, 3.14 ERA) has won back-to-back starts, including an 8-3 home victory over the Colorado Rockies last time out, as he allowed three runs (two earned) and four hits over 6.2 frames. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 3.57 ERA in 12 road appearances (two starts), with opposing hitters batting .284 against him. In seven career games versus the Rays, Rogers has compiled a 1-0 record and 3.60 ERA.

Tampa Bay split a four-game road series with the New York Yankees by picking up a 3-1 victory Sunday, while going UNDER the betting total of 9. “We’re not bad in the loss column,” commented Rays manager Joe Maddon about the team’s situation in the AL East standings. The Rays are 5-10 in their last 15 games since they were a season-high seven games over .500 on June 8. Tampa Bay is 4-3 at home with a money line of -100 to -125, with the OVER going 5-2 in that situation.

Rays starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (5-3, 5.50 ERA) has won three of his last four outings, including a 6-2 road victory over the Boston Red Sox last time out, as he allowed two runs and seven hits over six frames. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 5.79 ERA in seven home appearances, surrendering six home runs in 42 combined innings. In eight career games versus the Blue Jays, Hellickson has compiled a 3-2 record and 3.04 ERA, including a no-decision effort in a 4-3 road defeat on May 22.