Toronto vs Cleveland MLB Odds Analysis

Thursday is the last day of April, which means the first full month of the baseball season will be over and done with. The standings as they are now and the teams’ MLB odds are not likely to be the same once the final week of the season rolls around, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have a pretty good idea of what the strengths and weaknesses of each team are likely to be moving forward. The Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians will start a 3-game set on Thursday in hopes of ending the month on a high.

Toronto Blue Jays vs Cleveland Indians MLB Odds Analysis

Time: Thursday, 7:05 p.m. ET Venue: Progressive Field, Cleveland National TV: None Opening line: Blue Jays -109, Indians -101 (8 runs)     The biggest weakness for the Blue Jays (10-11) this season has undoubtedly been the performance of their bullpen, which has been routinely rocked throughout the first month. If they can get that under control, this is a team that could be very dangerous. They are getting pretty decent starting pitching, and they lead the league in runs scored. That’s usually a pretty sweet combination, but one that won’t reap dividends for as long as that thin bullpen continues to leak runs. The Blue Jays will be looking for a good outing from Daniel Norris (1-1, 4.43 ERA) as they look to get something going against a struggling Indians squad. Toronto has lost each of the last three games that Norris started, but only one, versus the Braves, can the blame be dropped on the pitcher. You have to feel some level of sympathy for the Cleveland Indians (6-13), as they have been hit very hard by the injury bug to start the season. Their starting pitching has been solid, and is what may allow them to win some games while they get healthy. Danny Salazar in particular has had a hot hand this year, but with little in the way of run support, the entire pitching staff has to feel as though they are fighting something of an uphill battle. The Indians have now lost 4 straight heading into the final game of their series versus the Royals on Wednesday, and could be in real trouble if they lose the series with the Jays. T.J. House (0-3, 12.60 ERA) is projected to get the start on Thursday, and that could spell trouble. He has been hit pretty hard all year and may end up in a relief role of he can’t right the ship on Thursday.

Key Betting Trends

Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland’s last 5 games Cleveland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland’s last 8 games at home Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto’s last 6 games Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto’s last 10 games on the road

Consider This Before Placing Your Bets

Given how hard House has been hammered so far this season, you have to feel that the Jays hitters must be licking their chops a little. This is one that could get ugly pretty quickly. Sources ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/33199/daniel-norris) MLB.com (http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=543334)