This is an Indians vs. Blue Jays MLB Prediction for Game 4 of the American League Championship Series from MLB expert Mike Lundin. The Indians hold a 3-0 lead in the series and can advance to the World Series with another win tonight. The game has a 4 PM EST start and can bee seen at TBS & Sportsnet (Toronto).
The Indians
Corey Kluber (2-0, 0.00 ERA) takes the ball for the Tribe. He is yet to allow a single run here in the postseason after tossing seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball against Boston in the ALDS before shutting out Toronto in 6 1/3 innings in the opener of the ALCS. The current Blue Jays hitters have had decent success in previous meetings with Kluber though with a .294 batting average through 102 at bats against the right-hander.
Trevor Bauer exited yesterday’s 4-2 win early with an injured right pinky finger, so Cleveland’s bullpen is not in the best of shape for this contest. A lot of pressure on Kluber to go deep into the game, but the Indians are 20-6 in Kluber’s last 26 starts while the Blue Jays 2-10 in their last 12 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
The Blue Jays
Aaron Sanchez (0-0, 9.53 ERA) takes the mound for Toronto. The 24 year old is coming off a terrific regular season and finished it with a 15-2 record, but does the youngster have the nerves to do it in the playoffs? He was charged with six runs on three hits and four walks with a pair of homers over 5 2/3 innings against Texas in the ALDS in his first postseason start ever, so as for now I would say NO. Toronto will need him to come up with big game here as a defeat would mean elimination.
The Blue Jays are 7-3 in Sanchez’s last 10 home starts vs. a team with a winning record but Cleveland is 20-6 in its last 26 games vs. a right-handed starter. Sanchez was knocked around for five runs (four earned) on four hits in four innings when he took on the Tribe in the regular season.
My Lean
There are no lines available for this contest as of yet, and I can see myself going either way with regards to both the total and the side. It will all depend on the price and the number, and I might hold off altogether.
UPDATE: Lines are now released with Cleveland +115, Toronto -125 with the total set at 8 runs. The value definitely seems to be on Cleveland and the under IMO.
I do however have a premium pick posted for the NLCS where the Cubs and Jake Arrieta will take on the Dodgers and Rich Hill in LA. I also have a pair of NHL winners locked and loaded, and as I enter Tuesday on an 8-0 run with my NHL picks after an 0-4 start to the season that’s definitely something you should check out. Take a look at all my premium picks and subscription options at Mike Lundin’s Handicapping Page, right here on my site.
Update
