Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays Picks and Predictions May 23rd 2025

Game Preview: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays

The Toronto Blue Jays arrive in St. Petersburg to open a three-game series against the host Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, looking to extend their recent winning momentum. Both teams have shown flashes of strong play and will aim to establish dominance early in this American League East matchup. Find more details on team performance and upcoming games with our MLB Scores and Odds.

Toronto Blue Jays Team Update

The Blue Jays enter this series with a three-game winning streak, highlighted by a thrilling 7-6, 11-inning victory over the San Diego Padres on Thursday. Daulton Varsho was instrumental in the win, following up a grand slam from Wednesday’s 14−0 romp with a game-tying triple and a run scored on Nathan Lukes’ single in the 11th. Varsho emphasized the team’s consistent effort: “We just kept playing our game. We’ve been hitting balls hard, and obviously sometimes it goes right at people. We just have to stick with it. We have good approaches all the way up and down the lineup. Pitching’s been great (and the) defense has been awesome. Just keep doing that and we’re going to win a lot of ballgames.” The Blue Jays also boast a four-game road winning streak as they embark on a six-game road trip that includes stops in Tampa Bay and Texas. Designated hitter Anthony Santander’s availability for Friday’s opener is uncertain due to left hip inflammation. Stay updated on all team movements and news through our comprehensive MLB Teams section.

Blue Jays Pitching Matchup

Toronto will send left-hander Eric Lauer (1−0, 2.25 ERA) to the mound. Lauer allowed one run on three hits over three innings in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers last Saturday. The 29-year-old lefty has historically struggled against the Rays, holding an 0−1 record with an 8.76 ERA in three career appearances against them.

Tampa Bay Rays Team Update

The Rays come into the weekend series on the heels of two consecutive victories, including an 8-4 triumph over the visiting Houston Astros on Wednesday. Josh Lowe, who recently returned from a six-week absence due to a strained right oblique, belted one of Tampa Bay’s four homers in that game. His return has significantly bolstered the lineup; in his May 15 game against Toronto, he went 3−for−5 with a solo homer and three runs in an 8−3 Rays win. Manager Kevin Cash noted Lowe’s impact: “When we win games, it’s going to come with guys getting big hits with guys on base. It is nice to have it go in our direction (with home runs). It’s a different lineup with Josh back, and he certainly helps.” Brandon Lowe also contributed with two homers and four RBIs in the May 15 game against the Blue Jays, and extended his hitting streak to five games with another deep shot on Wednesday. “It’s pretty cool,” Josh Lowe said of their back-to-back homers. “I think we were saying that’s the first time we’ve gone back-to-back before, so Lowe and Lowe getting the job done there.” For more detailed analysis and potential betting angles, explore our MLB Betting Picks.

Rays Pitching Matchup

Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen (2−4, 2.93 ERA) will take the mound for Tampa Bay. Rasmussen recently snapped a seven-game winless streak with a dominant performance against the Miami Marlins last Saturday, yielding four hits and no walks while striking out five over six scoreless innings to earn his first win since March 31. Cash praised Rasmussen’s outing: “He had everything going, really big fastball, four-seamer, two-seamer. He commanded the ball really, really well. It was a great start by him.” Despite his recent success, the 29-year-old Rasmussen has a career record of 1−4 with a 3.00 ERA in 10 appearances (eight starts) against the Blue Jays. For deeper insights into pitching matchups and player statistics, refer to our MLB Expert Betting Guide.

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