MLB Odds: Marco on the Mound in Kansas City

This hasn’t been the best of years for the Toronto Blue Jays (53-64, minus-8.92 betting units), but one of their few profitable starting pitchers will be in action Wednesday night when the Jays visit the Kansas City Royals (35-82, minus-31.88 units), beginning at 8:15 PM ET on Sportsnet. Marco Estrada is due up for Toronto opposite fellow right-hander Burch Smith.


Estrada (4.84 ERA) isn’t having his best season, either, but Toronto’s Opening Day starter has the team 0.98 units in the black on a record of 5-9. However, Estrada has been inconsistent since returning from a three-week stay on the disabled list with a strained glute, followed by a blister that formed on Estrada’s right middle finger during his rehab stint. Estrada has allowed 10 runs over 16.1 innings in three starts since coming off the DL.

Smith (6.97 ERA) is in his second tour of duty in the majors after a brief spell in 2013 with the San Diego Padres. The former Oklahoma Sooner missed 2015 and 2016 to Tommy John surgery. After earning a spot in the Kansas City bullpen, Smith has dropped 4.00 units on a team record of 1-5 since joining the Royals’ rotation in mid-July.

MLB Odds: Jays Can Make Hay in KC

There are no gimmies in baseball, but the Toronto Blue Jays (53-64, minus-8.92 betting units) have a very winnable road game coming up this Wednesday against one of the worst teams in the majors, the Kansas City Royals (35-82, minus-31.88 units). Sportsnet has the coverage at 8:15 PM ET.

Marco Estrada (4.84 ERA) will pitch for Toronto opposite fellow northpaw Burch Smith (6.97 ERA), who has just one quality start in six games since the Royals put the rookie reliever in their rotation. Estrada is 1-2 since returning from a strained glute and a blister on his right middle finger.