The Toronto Blue Jays (67-74) and Atlanta Braves (76-64) begin a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Truist Park is set for 7:20 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jays vs. Braves odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Blue Jays won all 3 meetings in 2023
The Blue Jays head to Atlanta after dropping 2 games at home to Philadelphia. They played the Phillies tight; the total run differential was 3 runs. Toronto is 15-20 during interleague play and the Blue Jays are playing out the string at this point, 14 games out in the AL East.
Atlanta took 2 of 3 games against the Colorado Rockies to begin their 6-game homestand. They outscored Colorado 9-5 in the 3-game series. The Braves are 38-29 at home. Atlanta is tied with the New York Mets for the last NL Wild Card spot.
Blue Jays at Braves projected starters
RHP Kevin Gausman vs. LHP Max Fried
Gausman (12-10, 4.07 ERA) makes his 28th career start. He has a 1.23 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 in 157 IP.
Last start: Loss, 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 4 K in 2-0 road loss against Minnesota Twins Aug. 30
2024 away splits: 7-4, 2.52 ERA (75 IP, 27 R (21 ER), 1.12 WHIP, 8.2 K/9 in 13 starts
Career vs Braves: 0-0, 1.32 ERA (13 2/3 IP, 2 ER), 0.98 WHIP, 4.8 K/9 in 2 starts
Fried (8-8, 3.52 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 1.21 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 in 140 2/3 IP.
Last start: Loss, 7 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 4 K in 3-0 road loss against Philadelphia Phillies Saturday
2024 home splits: 2-3, 4.05 ERA (53 1/3 IP, 25 R (24 ER), 1.43 WHIP, 7.3 K/9 in 9 starts
Career vs Blue Jays: 1-0, 1.50 ERA (12 IP, 2 ER), 0.92 WHIP, 5.3 K/9 in 2 starts
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Blue Jays at Braves odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:34 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Blue Jays +152 (bet $100 to win $152) | Braves -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread: Blue Jays +1.5 (-140) | Braves -1.5 (+116)
Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Blue Jays at Braves picks and predictions
Prediction
Braves 4, Blue Jays 2
Moneyline
PASS.
The Braves (-180) will take the opener of this series at home, but I’m definitely taking the run line odds.
Run line/Against the spread
BET BRAVES -1.5 (+116).
The Atlanta Braves are in a must-win situation as they take on the Blue Jays at home, making them a solid pick to cover the -1.5 run line. With their playoff hopes on the line, the Braves can’t afford to drop games like this against a team that’s just playing out the string. Atlanta has been strong in interleague play this season (27-13), and they’ve held their own at home with a 38-29 record at Truist Park.
On the other side, the Blue Jays are struggling, still winless in September and holding a shaky 33-39 record on the road. Toronto’s offense has also had trouble against lefties, batting just .231 as a team. Given how much more the Braves need this win, expect them to come out strong and cover the run line.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 8 (-110).
Taking the Under between the Blue Jays and Braves seems like a smart move, especially given the pitching matchup. While I’m leaning toward the Braves to win, Gausman has been lights out on the road, allowing just 2 ER over his last 12 2/3 IP.
These teams also tend to play lower-scoring games, with the Under hitting in 5 of their last 7 matchups. Recently, Toronto has gone Under in 6 of their last 8 games, and Atlanta has hit the Under in 5 straight. With both teams leaning on their pitching, this one should be a low-scoring battle.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:Subscribe now to dominate the competition.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
