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Blue Jays a Good Bet to Enhance Playoff Chances

· Sep 20 - 4 minutes read

The Toronto Blue Jays continue their difficult stretch with the middle contest of a three-game series against the New York Yankees. With two seemingly reliable pitchers on the mound, either could have value in MLB props Sept. 20. The Blue Jays won the opening game 7-1.

The Blue Jays sit second in the wild-card standings but have five games left with the Yankees and six against the 93-win Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees are reduced to the spoiler’s role as their first missed postseason since 2016 looms large.

Blue Jays a Good Bet to Enhance Playoff Chances

Starting Pitchers

Kevin Gausman (11-9, 3.40 ERA) vs Michael King (4-6, 2.77 ERA)

Kevin Gausman has struggled a little more recently after potentially being a Cy Young candidate early in the season. The Blue Jays starter has been inconsistent, with poor starts sandwiching elite ones. In Gausman’s last outing, he allowed four runs, two homers and walked six batters in 4⅔ innings. Similarly, he struggled in his first appearance in September. But in the start between, Gausman pitched eight innings, allowing one run – a homer – and striking out 10.

Gausman is third in strikeouts in the league. He is also facing a team that has whiffed the second-most over the last 30 days, making it one of the MLB best prop bets Sept. 20.

Michael King, the Yankees starter, has had a complicated season. He has spent most of his time in the bullpen, being a long reliever or opener. Recently, King was moved into the starting rotation, pitching at least four innings in his last four appearances. King has looked fantastic in his new role, with a 1.45 ERA, 26 strikeouts in 18.2 innings, and has yet to allow a homer. He is a big reason the Yankees even have some hope in MLB lines when he starts.

MLB Best Player Prop Bet: Kevin Gausman 7+ Strikeouts/Blue Jays to win (+135)

Blue Jays Playing With Fire

For most of the season, the Blue Jays’ chances have fluctuated and continue to do so. Right now, in our sportsbook, their odds to make the playoffs are -500, soon to become overwhelming favorites.

Just to give you an idea of how crazy the past week has been:

Blue Jays playoff odds the day the Rangers series started: 79.3%

Blue Jays playoff odds the day the Rangers series ended: 33.6%

Blue Jays playoff odds right this second: 79%

— Damon (@Varsh0AA) September 17, 2023

However, a week ago, when the Texas Rangers swept Toronto, it seemed like the playoffs were out of reach. Then the Blue Jays swept the Red Sox, and their MLB odds bounced back.

The Blue Jays got their playoff odds back on track by beating bad teams. Their last five series wins were against the last or fourth-place team in a division. Facing the Rays can change the Blue Jays playoff odds, especially if they don’t handle the Yankees.

Blue Jays vs Yankees Best Bets

Going with one of the pitcher’s strikeout numbers is an excellent option for MLB prop bets Sept. 20, but another option is for the Blue Jays to get a win. They have to win this series against the Yankees not to jeopardize their chances for the playoffs, and with Gausman on the mound, they have the advantage.

MLB Best Bet: Blue Jays ML -123