Blue Jays vs. Twins Betting (August 4): Back Toronto and the Under Tonight

The MLB trade deadline came and went this week, bringing fans one step closer to this year’s postseason. Two teams that hope to see playoff success this fall are due to collide on Thursday, Aug. 4 as the Toronto Blue Jays (58-46) take on the Minnesota Twins (55-49).

After winning three straight games, the Blue Jays look to bounce back from a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. Fortunately, momentum is on Toronto’s side as the club has emerged victorious in 13 of its last 17 games.

The Twins have had trouble stringing together consecutive wins lately, however, they have an opportunity to do so after beating the Detroit Tigers, 4-1, last night. Minnesota won two out of three games in Toronto earlier this year, leaving time to tell if history repeats itself.

The right-handed Alek Manoah gets the start for the Blue Jays tonight while the Twins are sending veteran hurler Sonny Gray to the mound.

Here’s a look at BetOnline Sportsbook’s odds, along with the best bets to make, ahead of today’s Blue Jays vs. Twins matchup.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Minnesota Twins Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Toronto Blue Jays (58-46, 24-25 road, 2nd in the AL East) vs. Minnesota Twins (55-49, 29-23, 1st in the AL Central)
• Venue & Location: Target Field (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
• Date: Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022
• Time: 7:40 p.m. Eastern Time
• How to Watch Today’s Blue Jays vs. Twins Game: MLB.TV, MLB Extra Innings, Bally Sports North

Blue Jays vs. Twins Pitching Matchup

• Toronto Blue Jays: Alex Manoah (2022: 20 starts, 11-5, 2.43 ERA)
• Minnesota Twins: Sonny Gray (2022: 15 starts, 6-3, 3.41 ERA)

Blue Jays vs. Twins Odds (Aug. 4, 7:42 a.m. ET)

Odds are via BetOnline. Odds from our other top reviewed and recommended online sportsbooks may also be included in this article.

Moneyline

• Toronto Blue Jays -120
• Minnesota Twins +102

Over/Under

• OVER 8 (-102)
• UNDER 8 (-120)

Run Line

• Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 (+136)
• Minnesota Twins +1.5 (-164)

Blue Jays, Twins Prepare for Pitching Duel

The Blue Jays and Twins are two of the best teams that the American League has to offer this season. Though pitching hasn’t always been either team’s strong suit at times this season, fans are set to be treated to a pitcher duel between Manoah and Gray on Thursday.

When it comes to Manoah, the 24-year-old has been living up to the hype that comes with being a former first-round draft pick. He’s in the top 10 for most AL pitching categories, which includes sitting second in victories (11), fourth in ERA (2.43), third in walks and hits per innings pitched (0.992) and fifth in WAR for pitchers (3.3).

While Manoah’s season-long efforts have been good enough to earn him his first MLB All-Star appearances, it’s important to point out that he’s lost four of his last six starts

He gave up seven hits and four runs over 5.1 innings in an 11-5 loss to the Tigers in his last start on July 29, so he must be better tonight.

Alek Manoah is a special player pic.twitter.com/uv7qf0K0pf

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 23, 2022

Meanwhile, the Twins hope that Gray can help them improve their one-game AL Central lead over the Cleveland Guardians with a win tonight. Fortunately, the 32-year-old Smyrna, TN has turned back the clock as of late.

Gray is 2-0 in his last two starts, recording an impressive 1.64 ERA over that stretch. He pitched a total of 11 innings over those two outings, surrendering only two runs on seven hits while issuing a pair of walks and 12 strikeouts.

Though offensively talented already, the Blue Jays wouldn’t complain if they got some help to take down Gray in the form of Whit Merrifield.

Toronto fans are highly anticipating Merrifield’s debut after he was acquired right before the trade deadline. The 33-year-old second baseman recorded six home runs, 42 RBIs, 15 stolen bases and a .240 batting average in 95 games with the Kansas City Royals this year.

Betting Trends for Blue Jays vs. Twins

• Toronto is 11-3 straight up in its last 14 games.
• Minnesota is 4-1 straight up in its last five games against AL opponents.
• The total has hit the under in each of Toronto’s last seven games.
• The total has hit the under in five of Minnesota’s last six home games against Toronto.

Blue Jays vs. Twins Prediction and Best Bets

Blue Jays vs. Twins Prediction: Blue Jays to win

Blue Jays vs. Twins Best Bets: Toronto ML (-120 at BetOnline) & Under 8 (-120 at BetOnline)

When it comes to tonight’s Blue Jays vs. Twins showdown, I’m riding with Manoah and Toronto securing the win. The Blue Jays have been too hot as of late and I think that they’ll be out for revenge after losing the three-game series earlier this year.

Having said that, take the Blue Jays on the moneyline. Furthermore, I recommend taking the under at -120 considering that both teams have been involved in low-scoring affairs as of late. Throwing Manoah and Gray into the mix only improves the possibility of the total hitting the under once again.