Rangers vs. Blue Jays Picks & Prediction

My selection is on Texas over Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Thursday.

The Blue Jays are reeling off back-to-back losses to the Astros. The Rangers figure to be in a similarly foul mood after consecutive defeats in Miami. We'll back Texas at a plus-money return on Thursday as it sends MacKenzie Gore to the hill against Kevin Gausman of Toronto. Gore hasn't had a banner start to the season with his new club but does come off one of his best outings, allowing just one earned run over six innings against the Padres last time out. He still owns a respectable 3.54 FIP and 1.30 WHIP on the campaign. Perhaps most notable is the fact that the Rangers solid bullpen is in excellent shape with all hands on deck for this series opener. That's more than can be said for the Blue Jays oft-overworked 'pen. Gausman got lit up for seven earned runs over just two innings against the Cubs in his most recent start. He's been good but not great this season and Toronto has dropped three of his last four starts overall. The Blue Jays enter this contest ranked 15th in the majors in xwOBA over the last week - four spots behind the Rangers in that category. Take Texas (8*).