Blue Jays vs. Mariners: Picks, predictions, how to watch Thursday’s game

The Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners square off on Thursday with first pitch set for 10:10 p.m. ET. The game takes place at T-Mobile Park in Seattle and will only be available on local TV or through an MLB.tv subscription. The Blue Jays are sending Anthony Banda (1-0, 6.10 ERA) to the mound, while the Mariners are going with Marco Gonzales (4-9, 3.29 ERA).

Toronto has lost five of the last six games, including two to the lowly Athletics. The Blue Jays managed to get a 2-1 win to avoid back-to-back sweeps. The team is hitting fairly well to begin July and has been solid offensively all season. It’s been poor pitching that has let Toronto down of late and that seemed to be why they’re having trouble deciding who takes the mound before settling on Banda.

The Mariners are fighting to stay relevant in what has suddenly become a crowded middle group in the AL. Seattle will eventually get some key players back from injuries but will it be enough to land a wildcard spot? The offense and pitching can’t seem to get on the same page enough, which is the hallmark of a .500 club.

Blue Jays vs. Mariners

Pitchers: Anthony Banda vs. Marco Gonzales
First pitch: 10:10 p.m. ET
Blue Jays local broadcast: SportsNet
Mariners local broadcast: Root Sports Northwest
Live stream: MLB.tv (subscription)

Odds, picks & predictions

Run Line: Blue Jays -1.5
Run total: 8.5
Moneyline odds: Blue Jays -135, Mariners +115

Moneyline pick: Mariners +115

Toronto has pitching issues and is in a slump at the moment. Seattle has won four straight games. Take the home team at plus money given the current circumstances.

Player prop pick: Marco Gonzales over 3.5 strikeouts (+100)

The Blue Jays are not a team that strikes out a lot, but this line is ridiculously low at plus money. Gonzales has topped this line three times in his last six games, so he does have the ability to get hitters to whiff. Back him here at plus money.

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