Toronto Blue Jays at Atlanta Braves Odds, Picks and Predictions

Blue Jays Aim to Continue Surge, Braves Look to Keep Pace

The Toronto Blue Jays (64-56) will look to continue their recent surge when they take on the Atlanta Braves (72-48) in a three-game series starting Friday night. The Blue Jays have won five of their last six games, while the Braves have won four of their last six.

Pitching Matchups

* **Friday, August 26:** LHP Hyun Jin Ryu (3-0, 4.38 ERA) vs. RHP Spencer Strider (9-4, 2.67 ERA) * **Saturday, August 27:** RHP Chris Bassitt (12-7, 3.34 ERA) vs. RHP Kyle Wright (16-5, 3.17 ERA) * **Sunday, August 28:** RHP Kevin Gausman (9-7, 3.29 ERA) vs. LHP Max Fried (11-4, 2.60 ERA)

Key Storylines

* The Blue Jays have been one of the hottest teams in baseball since the All-Star break. They are 29-17 since the break, and they have a 5.5-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. * The Braves have not been as hot as the Blue Jays since the break, but they are still in a good position to win the NL East. They have a 5.5-game lead over the New York Mets, and they have a magic number of 15 to clinch the division. * This is the first time the Blue Jays and Braves have played each other this season. The Blue Jays will be looking to win the series and continue their surge, while the Braves will be looking to keep pace with the Mets.

Betting Odds

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Braves are a -165 favorite to win the series, while the Blue Jays are a +145 underdog. The Braves are a -175 favorite to win the first game of the series, while the Blue Jays are a +155 underdog.

Predictions

The Braves are the better team on paper, but the Blue Jays are playing with a lot of confidence right now. I think the Blue Jays will win the series two games to one. * **Friday:** Blue Jays 5, Braves 4 * **Saturday:** Braves 6, Blue Jays 3 * **Sunday:** Blue Jays 7, Braves 6