Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays VS Oakland Athletics 2025-07-13
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland Athletics: A Data-Driven Dissection
By The Sportswriter with a Calculator
1. Key Statistics & Trends
- Blue Jays (55-39):
- Offense: 4.6 runs/game (13th MLB), led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.279, 12 HRs) and George Springer (.276, 16 HRs).
- Pitching: 4.16 ERA (21st), but Jose Berrios (3.53 ERA, 96 Ks in 112.1 IP) is a stabilizing force.
- Favorites’ Curse? 25-15 when favored this season—defying the 41% MLB underdog win rate.
- Athletics (39-57):
- Offense: 4.5 runs/game (17th), with Jacob Wilson (.335 BA) and Tyler Soderstrom (54 RBI) leading the charge.
- Pitching: 5.27 ERA (29th)—a collective yawn. Jeffrey Springs (4.09 ERA, 7.1 K/9) starts but faces a potent Jays lineup.
- Underdog Magic: 28 wins as underdogs this season—closer to the 41% MLB underdog win rate than you’d expect from a 39-57 team.
- Head-to-Head: Jays won 4-3 on Saturday behind Brent Rooker’s HR and Mason Miller’s 103.3 mph strikeout. Athletics have won 3 of their last 5 meetings.
2. Injuries & Updates
- No major injuries listed for either team. Both starters (Berrios and Springs) are healthy, though Springs’ 4.09 ERA raises eyebrows.
3. Odds Breakdown & EV Calculations
Moneyline Odds (July 13, 2025):
- Toronto Blue Jays: -172 (implied probability: 58.1%)
- Oakland Athletics: +216 (implied probability: 32.3%)
EV Framework:
- Underdog Win Rate (MLB): 41%
- Favorite Win Rate: 59% (100% - 41%)
Adjusted Probabilities:
- Blue Jays (Favorite):
Split difference between implied (58.1%) and favorite win rate (59%):
(58.1% + 59%) / 2 = 58.5%
- Athletics (Underdog):
Split difference between implied (32.3%) and underdog rate (41%):
(32.3% + 41%) / 2 = 36.7%
EV Comparison:
- Blue Jays: Adjusted (58.5%) > Implied (58.1%) → +0.4% EV
- Athletics: Adjusted (36.7%) < Implied (32.3%) → -4.4% EV
Total (Over/Under 10.5 Runs):
- Over: -110 (50% implied)
- Under: -110 (50% implied)
- Context: Blue Jays score 4.6 runs; Athletics allow 5.27. Combined, expect ~9.87 runs. Under 10.5 is statistically favored.
4. Betting Recommendation
- Best Bet: Toronto Blue Jays Moneyline
- The Jays’ 58.5% adjusted probability > 58.1% implied odds = +0.4% EV. Their 25-15 record as favorites and Berrios’ 3.53 ERA give them edge.
- Avoid the Athletics despite their 28 underdog wins—36.7% adjusted < 32.3% implied.
- Secondary Play: Under 10.5 Runs
- The Jays’ offense (4.6 RPG) vs. Athletics’ ERA (5.27) = ~9.87 expected runs. The 10.5 total is inflated; under offers value.
- Avoid the Spread (-1.5):
- Blue Jays’ 58.1% implied win rate vs. 58.5% adjusted is a 0.4% edge, but the -1.5 line requires them to outscore Oakland by 2 runs. Given the Athletics’ 4.5 RPG and Jays’ 4.6, this feels like asking for a HR derby.
Final Verdict
The Blue Jays are a slim favorite with a razor-thin EV edge, while the underdog Athletics are overpriced. Bet Toronto and the under, but don’t expect a laugher—this could be a 4-3 final again.
“Moneyline or bust, folks. The spread is just a numbers game.” — The Sportswriter with a Calculator 🧮⚾
Created: July 13, 2025, 7:27 a.m. GMT