Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays: Picks, predictions, odds and player props

Jose Berrios is on the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays, who open up their season Thursday visiting the Tampa Bay Rays.

The two teams made the playoffs last season only to exit in the Wild Card round and a close game seems likely as they take the field for the first time this year in Florida.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays betting picks and predictions

Toronto Blue Jays ML (+115)

The Rays finished 10 games ahead of the Blue Jays in the American League East standings last season, as the teams filled the second and third slots behind the Baltimore Orioles.

Neither team lasted long in the playoffs, as the fourth-seeded Rays were upset by the Texas Rangers in the Wild Card round, scoring just one run over two games.

The Blue Jays' season ended at the same stage after a pair of two-run losses to the Minnesota Twins.

The hard work to get back to the postseason starts again on Thursday and there's a good chance that the Rays will fall back into the clutches of the Blue Jays this season.

Neither team has made any stellar signings over the winter, although the Blue Jays were in the race to sign superstar Shohei Ohtani for a long time. 

The Rays have been getting the most out of an unheralded roster for several years now, but may struggle to keep that going and they are not at full-strength to start the season.

Tyler Glasnow, who started their second playoff game against the Rangers, has been traded to the Dodgers, leaving Zach Eflin as their Opening Day starter. He had a strong outing against the Blue Jays last season, but has not come out of the gates fast this spring and had a 0-3 record in exhibition games.

Jose Berrios starts for the Blue Jays, with Kevin Gausman not ready for the start of the year, but Berrios gives his team a great chance to grab an opening-day win.

If he can at least perform close to the same level as Eflin, the Toronto lineup should have the power to get the job done and they merit support for a road win at plus-money.

Over 7.5 runs (-115)

The teams' head-to-head record and the firepower in both lineups point directly to a high-scoring game, even though the starting pitchers are solid performers.

Each of these teams' last 10 meetings have hit the Over, with the lowest scoring game in that span being a 6-2 Blue Jays win in September 2023.

The Toronto roster didn't always hit the expected heights last season, but there is no shortage of potential with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Justin Turner, George Springer and Bo Bichette stepping up to the plate.

The Rays have their own power hitters in Randy Arozarena and Yandy Diaz, while Brandon Lowe has the lowest odds to hit a home run at +375.

Given the history between the teams, which included games that finished 12-8, 11-4 and 20-1 last season, taking over 7.5 runs for their opener seems reasonable.

Randy Arozarena to have 2+ hits (+300)

Given the expected offensive output from both teams in this game, taking a Rays batter to have a strong game does not detract too much from the chances of the Blue Jays winning the game, as there could be plenty of hits at Tropicana Field.

A prime candidate to make a fast start to the season at the plate is left-fielder Arozarena and his odds to have multiple hits in the game are appealing at +300.

The Cuban has had some success against Toronto starter Berrios with four hits in 11 at-bats, and Arozarena would also be capable of challenging the visiting bullpen arms later on in the game.

Toronto Blue Jays over 4.5 runs (+150)

The Blue Jays should be able to take advantage of any rust in the arm of Eflin, who went 0-3 in training games including a 9-2 loss to the Blue Jays on 11th March, when he gave up eight hits and eight runs (including two home runs) from 4.0 innings pitched with an ERA of 12.71.

With veteran Justin Turner added to what was already a talented group of hitters and looking in good preseason form, Toronto should be capable of opening with a high total.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays odds

TOR Blue Jays	+115 ML
TB Rays	-135 ML
Run Line	Rays -1.5 (+165)
Total	O/U 7.5

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays player props

Player Home Run Odds

Brandon Lowe (TB)	+375
Daulton Varsho (TOR)	+425
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)	+475
Jose Siri (TB)	+525
Randy Arozarena (TB)	+550
Isaac Paredes (TB)	+550

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.