Toronto Blue Jays vs
Atlanta BravesPredictions & Preview

Atlanta Braves to Face Toronto Blue Jays in Interleague Series at Truist Park, Braves Favored in Matchup

The Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays are set to face off in an interleague series starting on Friday night. Atlanta, currently in 2nd place in the NL East, is in the Wild Card race but still trailing in their division. Toronto, in 5th place in the AL East, is facing elimination as they sit nine games out of the Wild Card race. The Braves will have Max Fried on the mound while the Blue Jays will start Kevin Gausman. The game is set to take place at Truist Park at 7:20 EST. Atlanta is the betting favorite for the matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Blue Jays +149 | Braves -166
• Spread: Blue Jays +1.5 (-145) | Braves -1.5 (+125)
• Total: Over/Under 7.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Atlanta will win straight-up is 62%.

Toronto vs Atlanta Stats

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have struggled recently, going 2-6 in their last eight games prior to arriving in Atlanta. Despite this, their offense has been relatively strong, scoring 126 runs and hitting .249 over the last month of play. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to impress, collecting his 40th double of the season and maintaining a .328 batting average. The team's pitching has been inconsistent throughout the season, with a team ERA of 4.37 over 141 games. Gausman had a solid outing, despite not getting the win, and the bullpen has performed adequately with a 4.80 ERA. LF Addison Barger missed the team's game on Wednesday due to a knee injury. Toronto is currently ranked 18th in offense, 22nd in defense, and holds a record of 66-74 for the season.

Atlanta Braves Analysis

The Atlanta Braves have been struggling offensively in their recent games, scoring just 17 runs in their last five games. However, their pitching department has been strong with a team ERA of 3.58, the best in the National League. Michael Harris II has been a standout performer in the lineup, hitting safely in six straight games. The Braves currently have a power ranking of 6 and are ranked #16 for offense, scoring an average of 4.29 runs per game. They have a 76-64 record and recently defeated Toronto in their last three matchups. Whit Merrifield missed a recent game due to injury.

Blue Jays Continue Dominance Over Braves, Strong Pitching Key to Success

The Toronto Blue Jays have demonstrated their dominance over the Atlanta Braves recently by sweeping three consecutive series. Despite the Braves' struggles, the Blue Jays have showcased strong starting pitching in recent weeks, albeit with occasional setbacks. Kevin Gausman has had mixed results in his last four starts, with a pattern of alternating wins and losses. However, he maintains an impressive 2.20 ERA over his last five starts and a 2.52 ERA in his 13 road starts this season. On the other hand, Max Fried has shown some inconsistency in the past month, particularly in his control with 16 walks in his last 32 2/3 innings. Fried has also struggled in his last five starts at home, going 0-2 with a 4.05 ERA in nine starts at Truist Park this season. With the Braves having not defeated the Blue Jays since 2020, the momentum appears to be in Toronto's favor. Consider taking the Blue Jays in this matchup.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ]