Kenny G expects Toronto to cover even the –1.5 run line once prices post. He highlighted Eric Lauer’s 8-2 record and 2.76 ERA, fresh off five one-run innings in a 14-2 rout of Texas and a clean, albeit short, outing versus Minnesota back in June. The Twins counter with Simeon Woods Richardson, who is just coming off the IL and still battling illness; Minnesota’s bullpen owns a 4.24 ERA and has been a season-long liability. Offensively the Twins have been held to 4,0,3 runs in three of their last four and are “banged up,” whereas Toronto is MLB’s best home club (38-24) and ranks first in batting average and OBP. Kenny concluded the Blue Jays are in a “very nice spot” and worth laying the run and a half.

Mark Zinno said to lay a half-run with the Blue Jays in the first five innings because of a sharp pitching and situational edge. He pointed out that Eric Lauer owns a 2.45 ERA at Rogers Centre with opponents hitting just .162 and only two homers allowed. On the other side, Simeon Woods Richardson makes his first start since July 28 after a stint on the IL and carries a 5.30 road ERA. Zinno likes to attack starters in their first game back, expecting limited pitch counts and erratic command. After Toronto’s bullpen cost them Tuesday, he expects the lineup to ‘bounce back nicely’ in the opening five frames and avoid late-game variance.