New York Yankees
Picks, Prediction for Astros vs Blue Jays on Thursday, June 8
Toronto Pulls Away Late
The Houston Astros (36-26) and the Toronto Blue Jays (35-28) were deadlocked in a low-scoring game on Wednesday night. Each team totaled only five hits, with the Jays winning 3-2 thanks to an RBI from pinch hitter Alejandro Kirk in the seventh inning. Toronto has secured at least a series tie with a 2-1 lead. Will we see another low-scoring game after the under hit in back-to-back matchups? MLB lines have Thursday’s projected total at 8½.
Houston Looks to End Hitting Woes
Yordan Alvarez cranked a two-run home run in the eighth inning, posting his 17th big fly of the season. The Astros would not score another run after taking the 2-0 lead. Houston is averaging only 1.5 runs in the last two games. This is Houston’s lowest run total over two games since getting shutout on May 23 and 24 against the Milwaukee Brewers. The sportsbook expects the Astros to rebound, with the over for their run total priced at -125.
Blue Jays’ Starters Rolling
After allowing 11 runs in Game 1 against Houston, Toronto’s bullpen is rolling. Kevin Gausman posted a career-high of 13 strikeouts in seven innings in game two. Chris Bassitt provided another strong start on Wednesday, allowing four hits and two earned runs in eight innings. Could another Jays’ starting pitcher deal deep into a game? Jose Berrios is next up in the rotation. The under for Berrios’ allowed earned runs could be an intriguing MLB bet following Gausman and Bassitt’s performances.
Starting Pitchers
Frambler Valdez (6-4, 2.16 ERA) vs Jose Berrios (5-4, 3.66)
Frambler Valdez could be a dark horse for the American League Cy Young Award. Following his first All-Star game last season, Valdez’s numbers have taken another jump. He has a 2.16 ERA, 1.025 WHIP and 5.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio (SO/W). All of these numbers would be career bests. Valdez has also reached at least seven strikeouts in five of his last six starts. Valdez’s strikeouts going over is an enticing choice for MLB picks and parlays.
Framber Valdez, Filthy 86mph Back Foot Cutter. ✂️ pic.twitter.com/TguPoAeJJJ
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 3, 2023
Berrios rounds out Toronto’s top three starters. He has allowed only two earned runs in his last three starts. However, walks were a problem in Berrios’ previous two starts. He walked eight batters compared to 11 strikeouts – an underwhelming 1.38 SO/W. Houston averages the eighth-fewest strikeouts, which could mean another poor SO/W outing for Berrios. The Blue Jays are 5-3 against MLB spreads in his last eight outings.
Astros vs Blue Jays Head-to-Head
Toronto is 3-2 in the last five matchups. Houston has been favored only twice in the last 10 meetings, winning both.
Astros vs Blue Jays Game Information
- Game: Astros (36-26) vs Blue Jays (35-28)
- Location: Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
- Day/Time: Thursday, June 8, 7:07 p.m. ET
- Astros vs Blue Jays Live Stream: MLB.tv
Astros vs Blue Jays Betting Lines
Over/Under Pick
Thursday’s matchup has one of the lowest totals of the day. Valdez against Berrios is a strong matchup with two former All-Stars, touting ERAs under 3.7. Neither pitcher has allowed over four earned runs in their last five starts. Runs could be hard to come by once again.
Pick: Under 8½ (-115)
Moneyline Pick
The Astros are on a five-game winning streak when Valdez is on the mound. The Blue Jays are 4-1 in Barrios’ last five appearances. Something has to give in this series finale. Toronto’s best hitters have thrived against left-handed pitchers. Shortstop Bo Bichette is hitting a blistering .364 against lefties, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is hitting .343 against southpaws. MLB odds have the Jays priced at +110. Take the underdog.
Pick: Toronto Blue Jays (+102)
