The opening game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves went largely according to plan. The starting pitchers kept the Jays in the game for a while and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scored a run.

My predictions for the Blue Jays vs. Braves game on September 7th predict a similar story tonight, with Toronto holding the lead through the first five frames. Find out why in my MLB picks!

Prediction for Blue Jays vs. Braves

My best bet
Blue Jays five innings moneyline (+125 at PROLINE+)

My analysis
Although the Toronto Blue Jays are considered underdogs in this game, they have an advantage when it comes to the duel of starting pitchers, as the experienced Jose Berrios will face off against Atlanta Braves rookie Spencer Schwellenbach.

Berrios’ season, like that of most of his teammates, has been marked by many ups and downs, but there is no doubt that he is an opponent in this duel.

The RHP might have been in the conversation for AL Pitcher of the Month if not for teammate Bowden Francis. Berrios has a 1.56 ERA and has limited opponents to a .200 batting average in his last five starts – each of which lasted at least six innings.

And while this Braves lineup is still strong, it hasn’t been as good as we’ve come to expect in recent years. Right-handed pitchers in particular have been a problem: Atlanta enters this game ranked 19th in batting average, 18th in OPS, and 20th in wRC+ against righties.

Meanwhile, Schwellenbach is a pretty solid addition to the Braves’ rotation, especially for a rookie. The RHP is also in top form (2.57 ERA and .200 BA against his last seven starts), but he’s still a rookie, and I can’t get around the value on the Jays here.

Toronto’s lineup has been much better since the trade deadline, led by the red-hot Vladimir Guerrero Jr. In fact, since the All-Star break, the Jays rank ninth in batting average, eighth in OPS, and sixth in wRC+.

I’m predicting a Toronto lead after five innings so we can avoid betting on the Jays’ shaky bullpen.

Prop for Blue Jays star player

My best bet
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 0.5 RBI (+190 at PROLINE+)

My analysis
You had to know that I was back with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The star first baseman continues to reap incredible success, adding another hit and an RBI in last night’s loss. He now has a batting average of .327 with 28 home runs and 93 RBIs.

It was also the fourth game in a row – and the seventh time in his last 11 – that he scored at least one run. The guy is just focused. He’s also collected hits in 10 of his last 11 games, while he has a .455 batting average and a 1.227 OPS.

Despite all of this, sportsbooks continue to give us good value on Vladdy’s RBI market. Today, you can get over 0.5 RBI at +190, making it a five-star play according to our MLB player prop predictions.

Odds for Blue Jays vs. Braves

Blue Jays vs Braves live odds

Opening odds Blue Jays vs. Braves

• Money line: Toronto +150 | Atlanta -180
• Execute line: Toronto +1.5 -140 | Atlanta -1.5 +120
• Over/Under: Over 8.0 (-110) | Under 8.0 (-110)

Blue Jays vs. Braves Moneyline and Over/Under Analysis

• The Blue Jays began this interleague matchup as underdogs at +150, but early bettors saw some value in the underdogs as Toronto is now in the +140 range.
• That makes sense given the way Berrios throws, but the Blue Jays bullpen has the third-worst ERA in baseball, so I’m going to stick with the five-inning moneyline rather than the whole game.
• The overall score was a solid 8.0 and remained at that level on Saturday afternoon.
• Considering the way both starters are pitching, I would lean toward the under here.

Trend Blue Jays vs. Braves

The Blue Jays have hit the run line in 24 of their last 34 road games, producing +11.85 units and a 23% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Braves here.

Game info Blue Jays vs. Braves

Blue Jays vs Braves: Latest injuries

Weather Blue Jays vs. Braves

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