Updated:
Apr 17, 2026 , 01:03 PM ET
• 4 min read
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will tee off on Mike Soroka and the D-backs tonight, per our MLB expert.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the plate.
With Arizona Diamondbacks SP Mike Soroka on the mound, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should be able to get the Toronto Blue Jays’ offense rolling tonight.
Read on to see why in my free Blue Jays vs. Diamondbacks predictions and MLB picks for Friday, April 17.
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks predictions
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks best bet: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 total bases (+100)
Michael Soroka is off to a great start with Arizona Diamondbacks this season, going 3-0 with a 2.87 ERA.
However, Soroka’s 5.79 xERA would suggest he’s been getting a little lucky out on the diamond. He gives up a lot of contact too, allowing the highest barrel rate in the majors at 22.9%, while sitting in the 46th percentile in xBA against.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads the Toronto Blue Jays in barrel rate, and is 3-for-7 against Soroka with an OPS of 1.000.
Additionally, Vladdy handles the fastball well, batting .455 against the four-seamer, which is Soroka’s most utilized pitch this season.
COVERS INTEL: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has a 1.110 OPS against the entire Diamondbacks pitching staff.
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Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks same-game parlay (SGP)
Daulton Varsho is usually good for a hit. He’s recorded one or more hits in seven straight games and handles the four-seamer well.
Lastly, I’ll take Andres Gimenez to record a hit as well. He’s 3-for-8 against Soroka in his career and has at least one hit in four straight games heading into today.
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks SGP
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 total bases
- Daulton Varsho Over 0.5 hits
- Andres Gimenez Over 0.5 hits
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Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks home run pick: Andres Gimenez (+730)
I’ll make this a half wager, because Soroka hasn’t allowed very many home runs this season.
However, there is a good value wager in tonight’s home run market, and that’s Andres Gimenez, who is +750 to hit a home run tonight.
Gimenez is 3-for-8 against Soroka, with two of those hits leaving the yard.
The Jays’ shortstop has shown some sneaky power this season, especially against the four-seamer, where he owns a .727 SLG against, and it happens to be Soroka’s most utilized pitch.
He also has a .983 OPS against right-handed pitchers this season.
2026 Transparency record
- Best bets: 5-12, -4.35 units
- SGPs: 2-15, -7.50 units
- HR picks: 3-14, -0.60 units
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks odds
- Moneyline: Toronto +112 | Arizona -132
- Run line: Toronto +1.5 | Arizona -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks trend
The Blue Jays have hit the Over in 26 of their last 45 away games (+8.60 Units / 17% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Diamondbacks.
How to watch Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks and game info
Location
Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Friday, April 17, 2026
First pitch
9:40 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet, Dbacks.TV
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Eric Lauer
(1-2, 7.82 ERA)
Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Michael Soroka
(3-0, 2.87 ERA)
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks latest injuries
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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