MLB Predictions: Twins vs Blue Jays Lines
The Toronto Blue Jays host the Minnesota Twins on Monday in the opening game of a three-game series at the Rogers Centre.
Minnesota Twins (29-32) at Toronto Blue Jays (38-26)
Date: Monday, June 9, 2014
Time: 7:07 PM ET
Venue: Rogers Centre
City: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
O/U Odds: 9.5
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Money Line: Toronto -170, Minnesota +160
Pitching Matchup: RH Ricky Nolasco (4-5, 5.65 ERA) at RH R.A. Dickey (6-4, 4.25 ERA)
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The Twins come to town coming off a series loss at home against the Houston Astros, while the Blue Jays have lost back-to-back games after a big string of wins.
There’s a lot going against the Twins in this one, as they are just 7-21 in their last 28 games in Toronto, and catch a Blue Jays team that’s heating up, winning 20 of their last 26 games. The Blue Jays will also be throwing their staff ace at the Twins on Monday.
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R.A. Dickey appears to have gotten his mojo back for the Blue Jays. He’s 5-1 in his last six decisions following a shaky start. He’s been even better at home, where he’s compiled a 3.48 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Now he gets a Twins team that ranks near the bottom of the American League in home runs, batting average, and slugging percentage, and just looks lost offensively at the moment.
In a desperation move, the team added Kendrys Morales on a prorated $12 million deal, and he’s expected to make his debut with the Twins either Monday or Tuesday. Morales hit .277 with 23 home runs and 80 runs batted in for the Mariners last season. He is 3-for-11 in his career against Dickey.
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Ricky Nolasco counters for the Twins, and he’s just collecting checks at this point in his career. The guy has been a gas can this season, posting a 5.65 ERA and 1.53 WHIP while allowing opposing batters to hit at a .313 clip against him.
He’s been even worse on the road, where he’s posted a 7.51 ERA and 1.93 WHIP. Jose Reyes is batting .327 with three home runs in 49 at-bats against the righty, while Dioner Navarro is 7-for-15 with a home run against him.
The Jays appear to be in a position to pull off a rout here. Dickey’s been far better at home, and Nolsaco hasn’t been good anywhere. That should have some Blue Jays supporters thinking about the run line in this spot.
Additionally, the Blue Jays have been hitting so well that the under is never safe in any of their games. They’ll go up against a gas can in Nolasco in this one which could lead to plenty of fireworks from the home side.
The Blue Jays are 7-1 in their last eight when playing the opening game of a series, while the Twins are 1-4 in their last five when playing the opening game of a series.
The over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these teams, and it is 5-1 in the Twins’ last six games overall.
The play: Toronto -170, Over 9.5
