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The Toronto Blue Jays (89–63) and Tampa Bay Rays (74–78) wrap up their four-game series Thursday afternoon at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET, with Toronto entering as a slight road favorite at -129, while Tampa Bay looks to even the series as a +107 underdog.
Game Details
- Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
- Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL
- TV Coverage: FDSSUN, SNET
- Betting Lines: Blue Jays -129, Rays +107
- Run Total: 8 runs
- Spread: Blue Jays -1.5 (+134)
Pitching Matchup: Chris Bassitt vs. Shane Baz
Chris Bassitt Anchors Toronto’s Rotation
Veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt takes the mound for his 31st start of the season. He’s posted a 11–8 record, 3.90 ERA, and 163 strikeouts across 166⅔ innings. Bassitt has been a steady presence, averaging 5.4 innings per outing and holding opponents to a .256 batting average.
He’s faced the Rays twice this season, allowing six earned runs over 9⅔ innings, with eight strikeouts. While not dominant, Bassitt’s ability to limit hard contact and pitch deep into games gives Toronto a reliable edge.
Shane Baz Looks to Rebound
The Rays counter with Shane Baz, who enters with a 9–12 record, 5.15 ERA, and 169 strikeouts. Baz has struggled with consistency, allowing a high number of base runners and posting a 1.37 WHIP.
His fastball-slider combo can be electric, but command issues have plagued him in recent outings. Against a disciplined Blue Jays lineup, Baz will need to avoid falling behind in counts and limit walks to keep Tampa competitive.
Blue Jays Offense: Power and Patience
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Sets the Tone
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to be the engine of Toronto’s offense, batting .300 with 33 doubles, 23 home runs, and 80 walks. He ranks 8th in batting average, 2nd in on-base percentage, and 26th in slugging among all MLB hitters.
Springer and Bichette Provide Depth
- George Springer: 29 HR, .317 AVG over last 10 games
- Bo Bichette: 9-for-19 with 4 doubles, 2 HR, 8 RBIs in last 10 games
- Alejandro Kirk: .291 AVG, 12 HR, 45 walks
Toronto leads MLB in team batting average (.269) and on-base percentage (.337). They’ve scored 757 runs (5th in MLB) and hit 180 home runs (12th), making them one of the most complete offenses in baseball.
Rays Offense: Power from Caminero, Contact from Diaz
Junior Caminero Delivers the Long Ball
Junior Caminero leads Tampa Bay with 44 home runs and 108 RBIs, ranking 6th in MLB in homers and 5th in RBIs. His ability to change the game with one swing makes him a constant threat.
Yandy Diaz and Brandon Lowe Add Support
- Yandy Diaz: .296 AVG, 2 HR in last 10 games
- Brandon Lowe: .258 AVG, 29 HR, 18 doubles
- Chandler Simpson: .291 AVG, 11 doubles, 3 triples
The Rays rank 13th in slugging (.403) and 8th in batting average (.251), but their run production has been inconsistent. They’ve scored just 587 runs (27th in MLB), and their .317 OBP trails Toronto’s by a wide margin.
Recent Form and Trends
Blue Jays: Rolling Into October
Toronto is 7–3 over their last 10 games, with a .258 team batting average and 2.47 ERA. They’ve outscored opponents by 21 runs during that stretch and have gone 6–2 as moneyline favorites.
Rays: Slipping Late in the Season
Tampa Bay is 3–7 in their last 10, hitting just .238 and posting a 3.78 ERA. They’ve been outscored by eight runs and lost all three games as underdogs during that span.
Betting Insights and Injury Report
Betting Trends
- Blue Jays are 36–19 when favored by -129 or more
- Rays are 20–25 when listed as +107 or worse
- Over has hit in 81 of 150 Blue Jays games
- Rays are 3–7 ATS in their last 10 games
Key Injuries
Blue Jays:
- Bo Bichette (knee) – 10-Day IL
- Yimi Garcia, Bowden Francis, Anthony Santander – 60-Day IL
Rays:
- Junior Caminero (back) – day-to-day
- Taylor Walls, Jonny Deluca, Shane McClanahan – 60-Day IL
Prediction: Blue Jays Have the Edge, But Rays Can Hang
Final Score Prediction: Blue Jays 6, Rays 4
Total Prediction: Over 8 runs
Toronto’s offensive depth and Bassitt’s reliability give them the edge in this matchup. While Baz has the stuff to keep Tampa in the game, the Blue Jays’ plate discipline and power should prove decisive.
If Caminero is limited or unavailable, Tampa’s chances drop significantly. Expect Toronto to capitalize on scoring opportunities and close out the series with a win.
