Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays Picks and Predictions May 25th 2025

Rays Aim for Series Sweep, Blue Jays Hope to Halt Skid

The Tampa Bay Rays are riding a wave of momentum and will look to match their season-high five-game winning streak on Sunday when they host the Toronto Blue Jays in the finale of their three-game series.

Tampa Bay has already secured two straight 3-1 victories over their division rivals and now has the chance to not only sweep the series but also bring their record back to .500 for the first time in nearly a month.

Power Bats Spark Rays’ Streak

Tampa Bay’s offense hasn’t needed to explode during this streak—they’ve been efficient and clutch. On Friday, it was Brandon Lowe’s two-run blast in the third inning that set the tone. On Saturday, Junior Caminero followed up with a three-run homer in the first inning, all the runs the Rays would need.

That early scoring has allowed Tampa Bay’s pitching staff to settle in and keep Toronto at bay. Saturday’s win was the team’s second consecutive 3-1 decision, continuing a run that has seen them outscore opponents 22-9 over the past four games.

See updated lineup trends and hitting props on the MLB Picks Page.

Guerrero Extends Streak, But Jays Offense Sputters

Toronto slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tried to breathe life into the Blue Jays with a solo homer in the sixth on Saturday. It was his seventh home run of the season and extended his on-base streak to 24 games—a bright spot for an otherwise inconsistent Jays lineup.

Still, Toronto has now lost four of five games in the season series and appears to be falling behind in the ultra-competitive AL East.

For deeper team form and situational splits, visit the MLB Team Page.

Bassitt vs. Pepiot in Sunday’s Finale

Sunday’s matinee features a pair of right-handers trending in opposite directions this month.

Chris Bassitt: Quietly Consistent in May

Chris Bassitt (4-2, 2.83 ERA) has quietly put together a strong stretch in May. He’s 2-0 with a 3.13 ERA this month and is coming off a six-inning, four-hit shutout outing against the Padres earlier in the week.

He also faced Tampa Bay on May 14, allowing just one run in 5 2/3 innings in what ended up being a 3-1 Blue Jays win.

Bassitt’s career numbers against the Rays aren’t pretty (1-5, 3.42 ERA in nine appearances), but his recent form suggests he could flip the narrative.

Ryan Pepiot: Better Than His Record

While Ryan Pepiot (2-5, 3.99 ERA) hasn’t earned many wins lately, he’s actually pitched well this month. Through four May starts, he’s posted a 3.63 ERA, though he’s 0-2 in that span.

Pepiot’s last start against the Blue Jays came in Toronto on May 14, where he surrendered three runs over six innings in a losing effort. That remains his only career start versus the Jays.

“Just sit down, watch the video, see where you missed,” Pepiot told the Tampa Bay Times.

Explore daily strikeout props and starter matchups on the MLB Odds Page.

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Bullpen Shuffle in Toronto

Toronto’s bullpen took a hit on Saturday with the news that Yimi Garcia was placed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder impingement. The reliever had pitched a clean inning against the Padres on Thursday, but manager John Schneider cited usage concerns.

“It wasn’t one pitch or one outing… it’s usage,” Schneider explained. “We wanted to get him back quickly.”

In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays recalled Paxton Schultz from Triple-A Buffalo.

See real-time injury updates and roster changes at the MLB Expert Betting Guide.

What’s at Stake on Sunday?

• Rays: A win gives Tampa Bay its first five-game winning streak since April and returns their record to .500.
• Blue Jays: Avoiding a sweep would prevent them from falling deeper in the AL East standings and boost confidence heading into June.

With both teams fighting to climb the division ladder, Sunday’s game carries serious weight.

FAQs

What time is the Rays vs Blue Jays game on Sunday?
It’s a Sunday afternoon game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL.

Who is pitching for the Rays?
Ryan Pepiot (2-5, 3.99 ERA), looking to earn his first win since April.

Who starts for the Blue Jays?
Chris Bassitt (4-2, 2.83 ERA), coming off a six-inning shutout against San Diego.

What’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s current streak?
He’s reached base in 24 consecutive games and hit his seventh homer on Saturday.

Why was Yimi Garcia placed on the IL?
Garcia is dealing with a right shoulder impingement due to workload accumulation.

Where can I find picks and odds for the game?
Head over to the MLB Picks and MLB Odds pages.