MLB Odds: Jays Visit Seattle on West Coast Road Trip

A day after completing a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics, the Toronto Blue Jays continue their West Coast swing by paying a visit to Seattle to take on Félix Hernandez and the Mariners.


The Jays’ roster is a shadow of its former self following the July 31 trade deadline. Mark Shapiro and the Jays’ brass dealt pitchers JA Happ, Seung-hwan Oh, John Axford, Aaron Loup and Roberto Osuna for a slew of prospects and young hopefuls in what is the beginning of a youth movement in Toronto. Furthermore, shortstop Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is expected to be out for two to six weeks following a leg injury. Those who are left on the Jays’ roster will be up against a Mariners’ team that has the playoffs in sight.

Unlike Toronto, Seattle acquired depth pitching at the deadline, including relievers Zach Duke, Adam Warren and Sam Tuivailala. Those pickups should go a long way in bolstering a Mariners’ pitching staff that sports the 17th best ERA in the Bigs (4.01). At only three games back of the Astros for first in the West and holding a two-game lead over the Athletics for the second wildcard spot, the Mariners feel they’re well positioned for a playoff berth. They’ll look to jump on the undermanned Jays this Thursday (10:10 PM ET).

MLB Odds: Hernandez and the Mariners Welcome the Jays

In Toronto’s home away from home, Seattle is a welcome refuge for a team that has struggled to win anywhere this season. The West Coast Canadian fans treat the Jays to a hero’s welcome whenever they visit Safeco Field, and they’ll look to draw from that support on Thursday (10:10 PM ET).

Toronto will be up against former Ace Félix Hernandez, who has struggled this season to a tune of a 5.58 ERA and a losing win-loss record (8-9). If the Jays have a chance to steal one from the playoff-hopeful Mariners, the first game against the inconsistent Hernandez will be their opportunity.