David Price sure is looking forward to tonight’s opponent, carrying a terrific track record against the Toronto Blue Jays. But bettors be cautious. It was the same storyline last week against New York’s C.C. Sabathia, a pitcher he’s owned, and lost so it’s no sure thing.
Price has pitched better against the Blue Jays than any other team in his career. He’s won 10 of his 13 careeer starts with an ERA of 2.13, best against any opponent. Just under a quarter of his career wins in the majors have come against Toronto.
That’s why, despite being on the road, Tampa Bay is favored by 1 1/2 runs, according to Bovada’s Rays vs. Blue Jays Betting Lines, with a -119 moneyline.
“I feel good pitching here,” Price said. “It’s a dome, just like it is back at home.”
Price already beat the Blue Jays once this year in mid-April, going 5 2/3 in a 12-2 win in Toronto. He’s 4-0 in five career starts at the Rogers Center. Price has won four of his last five, only losing last week to the aforementioned Sabathia. He allowed a season-high 11 hits and five runs, including two home runs.
“I made some good pitches tonight, they hit them, that’s it,” Price told the Associated Press.
Toronto’s Jose Bautista has been the team’s rare bright spot against the lefty, batting .357 with four homers against him.
He will go up against Henderson Alvarez, who was the losing pitcher against Price in April. Since then, he’s been brilliant, winning his last four stars with a 0.82 ERA. His two biggest nemesis’, Evan Longoria and Desmond Jennings (a combined 7 for 13 with five homers against him) are on the disabled list.
“He’s very calm and collected out there. He knows how good he is, not in a cocky sense but in how to attack the game and attack hitters and know that he can throw that ball up there and miss spots and still get ground balls,” catcher J.P. Arencibia said. “I think he’s mature beyond his age, and he’s getting better with every start.”