Cincinnati Reds vs Toronto Blue Jays Predictions

Soriano gives Toronto the pitching edge

Fox Sports 980 WONE / iHeartMedia lists José Soriano as Toronto’s probable starter and Nick Lodolo for Cincinnati. Soriano has a 3.77 ERA, 1.262 WHIP and 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings in 31 starts. Lodolo has a 5.04 ERA, 1.466 WHIP and 6.9 strikeouts per nine in 20 starts. That difference makes Toronto the more likely winner, though neither starter has been confirmed.

Why the price is too high

Toronto has averaged 4.0 runs per game and hit 150 home runs, both reported as the lowest marks in MLB. Cincinnati has averaged 4.1 runs and hit 211 homers. The Blue Jays’ .248 batting average is better than the Reds’ .228 mark, but Toronto’s limited power makes both the -136 moneyline and -1.5 run line hard to justify.

The Blue Jays enter on a three-game losing streak and hold a 77-82 record, while Cincinnati is 74-85. Soriano’s advantage points to Toronto, but the available evidence doesn’t establish enough separation to recommend paying the favorite’s price. Pass.