MLB Odds: Jays, Tigers Start Second Half in the Basement

The Toronto Blue Jays (41-47, –14.29 betting units at Bovada SportsBook ) could use a break. They ended the unofficial first half of the regular season Sunday afternoon with an embarrassing 19-1 loss at home to the top team in the American League, the Houston Astros (–125). After pausing for the All-Star Game, the Jays return to action Friday night with a road tilt against the Detroit Tigers; first pitch is at 7:10 PM ET on Sportsnet.

Aaron Sanchez (6.38 FIP) has already been penciled in to start for Toronto. Sanchez was one of the best pitchers on the junior circuit last year, but blisters and a split fingernail have limited his effectiveness this season and sent him to the DL on three separate occasions. In his most recent return, Sanchez was rocked by the Astros for five earned runs Friday night in just 1.2 innings of work.

Maybe Sanchez can get his groove back against the Tigers, who had yet to announce a starter at press time for Friday’s contest. The Tigers enter the All-Star break at the bottom of the AL Central standings, and current Detroit hitters have a combined .513 lifetime OPS versus Sanchez at 10-for-52 with zero home runs.