The Toronto Blue Jays are aiming to finish a four-game sweep against the New York Yankees and secure the lead in the American League East when they meet on Thursday at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Blue Jays (48-38) have taken the initial three games, matching the struggling Yankees (48-38) at the top of the division. (The Tampa Bay Rays are trailing by half a game.)
The Yankees have not encountered a four-game sweep since September 2021, the last team to achieve that being Toronto at Yankee Stadium.
Chris Bassitt (7-4, 4.29 ERA) will pitch for the Blue Jays after delivering his worst outing of the season: he gave up nine runs across eight hits and issued four walks in just 2 innings during a 15-1 defeat to the Boston Red Sox. Conversely, Clarke Schmidt (4-4, 3.09) is tasked with stopping the Yankees’ recent slump, facing off after a disappointing outing himself where he allowed four runs from four hits and two walks in 6 innings against the Oakland Athletics.
While that AL East rivalry is the highlight of Thursday’s sports lineup, other notable matchups include the Cleveland Guardians versus the Chicago Cubs and five games in the WNBA.
MLB Best Bets Today, Where to Watch
Yankees at Blue Jays
Time: 7:07 p.m. | Location: Toronto | TV: MLB Network
SportsLine Picks: Blue Jays +1.5 (-156) | Expert: Chris Bassitt Over 16.5 total pitcher outs (-139)
New York’s bullpen has faced challenges throughout the series, conceding 12 earned runs in 9 innings over the first three games against Toronto, including two runs allowed by closer Devin Williams. According to the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, Blue Jays +1.5 (-156) has a 60.0% probability of covering the spread.
Guardians at Cubs
Time: 8:05 p.m. | Location: Chicago | TV: MLB Network
SportsLine Picks: Cubs money line (-143) | Player: Michael Busch Over 0.5 total bases (-161)
This game features two teams heading in opposite directions, with the Cubs holding the second-best record in the National League, while the Guardians are struggling with six losses in a row.
WNBA Best Bets Today, Where to Watch
Aces at Fever
Time: 7 p.m. | Location: Indianapolis | TV: Prime
Expert Pick: Aces -4.5 (-110)
The Fever will compete without star player Caitlin Clark, missing her fourth consecutive game. The Aces, refreshed from their last game on Sunday, strengthened their roster by acquiring NaLyssa Smith on Monday.
MLS Best Bets Today, Where to Watch
NYCFC vs. Toronto FC
Time: 7:30 p.m. | Location: New York City | TV: Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass
Expert Pick: NYCFC money line (-160)
In a significant MLS clash, two clubs seeking improvement face off, with NYCFC at the ninth spot and Toronto at 13th in the Eastern Conference standings.
