The Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to avoid losing three games in a row for the first time since June when they open a three-game set with the New York Mets on Friday night as slim even-money underdogs on the MLB odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
The Blue Jays embark on an important seven-game road trip after getting swept in a two-game home series with the division-leading Boston Red Sox that leaves them stalled in fourth place in the AL East standings going into Friday night’s matchup at Citi Field.
In addition to this week’s issues against Boston at Sahlen Field, the Blue Jays also struggled on their most recent road trip, going 2-3 in clashes with the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays. Despite the team’s recent middling play and failure to make gains in the division standings they have been resilient on the World Series odds, improving slightly to plus-1800.
The Blue Jays have feasted on National League opponents this season, racking up a league-leading 13-2 record in interleague play. The team has also produced steady results in recent meetings with the Mets, going 6-3 in their past nine overall matchups. However, things have historically not gone well for the Blue Jays when they visit Queens, with the team posting just one win in 10 all-time road dates with the Mets.
And while Toronto turned in its best-ever road performance against the Mets with a 12-1 win in its most recent visit to New York three years ago, they have otherwise struggled to generate offence when battling the NL East leaders on the road, averaging fewer than two runs per game in their previous nine contests.
The Mets return home for Friday’s contest set as small minus-120 favourites at online betting sites. New York wrapped up a six-game road trip on Wednesday with a 7-0 victory over Cincinnati, and has now averaged eight runs per game during its current 3-1 run. The Mets’ recent surge has helped them maintain firm control of first place in the NL East standings, and solidified their position as minus-250 favourites to claim their first divisional title since 2015.
However, the Mets have struggled to maintain consistent form on home turf over the past month, recording consecutive wins on just two occasions while going 8-8 over their past 16 games. New York, though, has fared well in the opening game of homestands this season, racking up a 6-1 mark in those contests.
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