MLB Tuesday Preview – Tampa Bay vs Toronto
Before baseball gambling fans turn their attention to other sports betting events this weekend, we have the Tuesday MLB game of the day pick for you. It’s time for our weekly baseball picks for online MLB betting action.
Season Record:
Milwaukee: 15-23 SU
Cincinnati: 22-16 SU
Rays Try To Slow Down Jays Big Bats
MLB Betting – Tampa Bay Rays @ Toronto Blue Jays
Jeff Niemann (5-0) vs. Brian Tallet (1-1)
Niemann vs. Blue Jays Hitting
It’s been a very successful start of the season for Jeff Niemann. The right hander has yet to lose this season, going 5-0 in 10 starts so far. His 2.37 ERA is over a run better than his career average. A difference like that usually means the numbers will eventually even out, but that may not be the case with Niemann; he may be this good. The former first overall has improved every year since he’s been in the majors, and what we’re seeing now may be the Jeff Niemann that will dominate the Major Leagues for years to come.
Niemann is going to have it tough against the surprisingly potent Toronto offense. Although the righty has already beaten Toronto this year, it was before the Blue Jay offense really began to click. The Jays lead the league in home runs as a team, and outfielder Jose Bautista leads all individual players in long-balls. In May, Toronto set a new franchise record for homers in a single month with 53. If you’re betting, note that this is the best offense Niemann has faced all season; it will be very interesting to see if he can continue his dominance.
Tallet vs. Rays Hitting
Although it’s not 100% confirmed, most reports say that Brian Tallet will make his return from the DL Tuesday against Tampa Bay. Tallet hasn’t pitched since April 17th, having been on the disabled list with an injured left arm. The lefty was shaky in his first three starts of the year, going 1-1 with a 6.11 ERA. Tallet is on a short leash with Toronto; there are plenty of young arms in the Jays system that will get their chance should Tallet stumble.
It may seem unlucky that Tallet is facing the team with the best record in his first game back, but luckily for him the Rays are experiencing some problems on offense. Carlos Pena, BJ Upton and Jason Bartlett have all been demoted in the lineup, and Pat Burrell was released altogether. However, the Rays players who aren’t struggling (mainly Evan Longoria and Ben Zobrist), have past success against Tallet. Longoria is a career .444 hitter against Tallet, while Zobrist is hitting .445 against the lefty. In 16 career appearances against Tampa Bay (three as a starter), Tallet sports a 6.03 ERA.
Bullpen Comparison
Those who bet on MLB have seen Rafael Soriano become the elite closer Tampa Bay needed when they acquired him over the offseason. The former Brave has 14 saves and a miniscule 1.33 ERA. A surprising gem in the Rays ‘pen is Joaquin Benoit. The righty has yet to allow a run in 10 1/3 innings, and has struck out 15 batters in that span.
Toronto doesn’t have any one dominating reliever, instead employing a bunch of strong arms that don’t blow many games. Scott Downs (2.66 ERA, 14 holds) and Kevin Gregg (12 saves) are formidable duo in the back-end of the bullpen. Shawn Camp is the effective workhorse; he leads all relievers with 27 1/3 innings pitched and has a 2.63 ERA.
Outlook
The Blue Jay bats can challenge any pitcher, even one as talented as Jeff Niemann. And even if Toronto roughs up the Rays starter, I’m quite certain the Tampa Bay offense is going to have a field day with Tallet. Tallet will no doubt be a bit shaky after a long layoff, and Tampa Bay, despite their struggles, is not a team you want to be facing under those conditions. If you’re betting, choose the over, but also choose Tampa Bay.
Gambling Trends:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Tampa Bay’s last 11 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Tampa Bay’s last 19 games
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto’s last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto’s last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Toronto
Pick: Tampa Bay Rays
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Poolside Rants hails from beautiful Bozeman Montana by way of Toronto, Canada. (Blame his wife for the move). He’s a Dallas Cowboys football honk. But please….don’t hold that against him. The man knows his sports and has uncanny knowledge when it comes to picking games.
