New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays odds, pick, prediction for Sat. 8/3

If you like high-scoring games, then the Yankees and Blue Jays provided ideal viewing on Friday evening in the Bronx as the over hit in the third inning.

The Yankees swept the Phillies earlier this week and now hope to take care of business against the Blue Jays, who sit in last place in the American League East. Jose Berrios will start for the Blue Jays and Carlos Rodon is slated to get the ball for the Yankees.

Here's my Yankees vs. Blue Jays prediction.

Yankees vs. Blue Jays Odds

Saturday, Aug. 3, 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network

Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here.

Yankees vs. Blue Jays Projected Starting Pitchers

Yankees vs Blue Jays Preview

New York Yankees Betting Preview: Rodon Needs to Pitch Deep

The first two years of Rodon’s tenure in the Bronx has been tumultuous. His entire first season was a wash due to injury and poor performance, then he burst onto the scene with an outstanding first few months of the 2024 season. However, Rodon’s poor peripherals hinted at regression, which then became reality.

He allowed 21 earned runs in 13 2/3 innings against the Braves, Red Sox and Blue Jays. Teams were teeing off of Rodon’s fastball, but I came away encouraged from his past two starts.

First, Rodon twirled his best start in pinstripes, going seven innings and allowing just one run on 10 hits, while striking out 10. Then, in arguably the most important start of his Yankees' career, Rodon threw well against the Red Sox.

He generated 24 whiffs over 6 1/3 strong innings and the Yankees won.

So, what changed for the veteran southpaw?

Well, Rodon featured his changeup more against the Red Sox and I’m buying into the changes turning the tide on Rodon’s season.

The Yankees much-maligned lineup, which got little production except from Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, the likely AL MVP, during a brutal stretch in June and early July, received a nice shot in the arm last week. Jazz Chisholm Jr. already has four homers with the Yankees.

New York also owns the best wRC+ in MLB (119), the best walk rate in MLB (10.8%) and a terrific 20.8% strikeout rate.

My biggest concern is the bullpen. Closer Clay Holmes is better than fans think, but he’s been the benefactor of some dreadful BABIP luck. Beyond Holmes and Mark Leiter Jr., the bullpen is very shaky.

The Yankees desperately need a strong start from Rodon to avoid a potential meltdown from the bullpen.