Toronto Blue Jays (-120)
Thu May 15 ‘08 1:10p
Dustin McGowan of the Toronto Blue Jays is coming off of his worst start of the season vs. a Cleveland Indians team that he has always struggled with, but he should get back on track vs. the Minnesota Twins here this afternoon.

McGowan was torched for nine earned runs in just 3.2 innings by Cleveland, but he had allowed three runs or less in six of his first seven starts and he allowed just four earned runs in his other outing, so we will grant him a Mulligan for that Indians debacle. McGowan was brilliant in his only start vs. the Twins last season, allowing just four hits in 7.1 scoreless innings, so we see no reason why had can’t return to his dominant form in this spot. He also has the support of a Toronto bullpen that ranks fifth in baseball with a 3.26 ERA.

The Twins counter with rookie southpaw Glen Perkins, who was hardly awe-inspiring in his Major League debut. Sure, he somehow escaped with only allowing three earned runs in six innings, but he did allow nine hits, and he is now facing a Toronto offense that may be awakening from a season long slump, as the Blue Jays have scored 11 runs in the first two games of this series.

Toronto has now won five straight head-to-head meetings with Minnesota, and we look for the Jays to finish off the three-game road sweep today.

MLB Free Pick: Blue Jays -120