I get that Tampa Bay is out of playoff contention and Toronto needs this game in its battle to beat the Yankees out for the AL East Division title as the two teams are tied for the lead heading into these final three games of the regular season.
But there is too much value for me to turn my back on the Rays.
The Blue Jays haven’t been playing that well, losing six of their last eight games.
The pitching matchup isn’t as lopsided as it may seem. Toronto’s Shane Bieber was an elite pitcher with Cleveland, but is on the comeback trail following a serious injury. He has pitched fewer than 36 innings this season.
Tampa Bay’s Adrian Houser is perceived as a journeyman. However, he has been solid and consistent with an 8–4 record, 3.18 ERA and 1.27 WHIP.
I prefer the Rays’ bullpen and their best relievers are rested. That’s not the case for the Blue Jays.
Going by run differential, these teams are not that far apart. Toronto has only outscored Tampa Bay by 16 runs on the season.
Note, too, that the Blue Jays are in the playoffs even if they were to be swept by the Rays. So the motivational angle could be overrated. Certainly, the price is inflated.
