The Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays open their 2022 seasons Friday with a 7:07 p.m. ET first pitch at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Blue Jays odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Toronto went 4-2 against Texas and outscored the Rangers 36-13 in 2021.
The Rangers lost 102 games last season. They struggled mightily on the road, going 24-57 (.296) on their way to an overall 60-102 (.370) mark and their fifth consecutive losing season.
The Blue Jays went 91-71 (.562) in 2021. They missed out on a Wild Card playoff berth by 1 game.
Rangers at Blue Jays: Projected starters
RHP Jon Gray vs. RHP Jose Berrios
Gray (8-12, 4.59 ERA in 2021) makes his Rangers debut after seven years with the Colorado Rockies. He registered a 1.33 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9, and 9.5 K/9 through 149 IP last season.
- His 3.5 BB/9 last year marked a career-worst.
Berrios (12-9, 3.52 ERA in 2021) was acquired from the Minnesota Twins for the stretch run last season. He posted a 1.06 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9, and 9.6 K/9 in 192 IP overall last year.
- Allowed a .557 OPS last April, and the season’s first month and his best in terms of OPS allowed (.610 career).
- Has held current Texas bats to a .722 OPS.
Rangers at Blue Jays odds, spread and lines
- Money line: Rangers +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Blue Jays -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-135) | Blue Jays -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)
Rangers at Blue Jays prediction and picks
Prediction
Blue Jays 6, Rangers 4
Money line
Toronto has vacillated between the No. 2 and No. 3 choice in 2022 World Series futures betting. Texas has received attention for committing more than $500M over the offseason.
Texas still has plenty of question marks despite newcomers SS Corey Seager and 2B Marcus Semien. The bullpens — key in April — figure to make for a big Toronto advantage.
BACK THE BLUE JAYS (-180).
Run line/Against the spread
With Toronto’s elite offense — the Jays went 31-15 last year in games decided by 5-plus runs — some bettors may want to mix in some run-line action alongside the above play.
TORONTO -1.5 (+110) fits the bill.
Over/Under
Enough gray area here to punt this one away: AVOID.