Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays Betting Preview

by

Aug 16, 2023

Today we’ve got an intriguing matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Phillies are currently leading in the National League wild-card race, but they’ve been inconsistent lately, especially at the plate. After a high-scoring game against the Minnesota Twins on Friday, the Phillies offense went quiet on Saturday and Sunday, producing virtually no runs. Last night, they only managed one run, wasting a strong performance from their ace pitcher, Zack Wheeler.

Speaking of aces, Aaron Nola, the Phillies’ top arm, takes the mound for this game against the Blue Jays. However, his performance this season hasn’t been up to the standards we’d expect from an ace. Nola has struggled on the road this year, with unimpressive home-road splits. He wanted a major contract extension before the season began, but with his lackluster performance, it’s understandable why the two parties haven’t been able to come to an agreement. Nola’s inconsistency makes him hard to trust, especially in a road game against a strong Toronto lineup.

Conversely, the Blue Jays have Kevin Gausman on the mound, who’s been nothing short of great this year. The Phillies’ struggling offense faces a daunting task in scoring against Gausman, who’s been consistently shutting down opposing hitters. If you’re a fan of the Phillies, you might be hoping for a sudden resurgence at the plate, but it’s unlikely to happen against a pitcher like Gausman, who’s in top form.

The betting odds for this game favor the Blue Jays. While the Phillies might seem tempting at their underdog price, it’s hard to trust them in this matchup. Their offense has been inconsistent, and Nola’s struggles on the road make him an unreliable pick against a Toronto team that has been hitting well. The Blue Jays have been steadily climbing the ranks, and with Gausman on the mound, they’re the favorites for good reason.

Betting Odds:

Philadelphia Phillies: +175
Toronto Blue Jays: -210

The Blue Jays are the team to lean toward in this matchup. With their strong lineup and Gausman on the mound, they’re well-positioned to capitalize on the Phillies’ recent struggles.

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Thumbnail photo via Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

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