Toronto Blue Jays vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Predictions May 17th 2025

Javier Baez Doing It All as Tigers Eye Series Win vs. Jays

Baez Shines in the Field and at the Plate

Javier Baez is proving he’s far more than just a temporary center field fix for the Detroit Tigers — he’s quickly becoming their spark plug on both sides of the ball. Pressed into action due to injuries, the veteran infielder is thriving in unfamiliar territory, and on Friday night, he was everywhere the Tigers needed him to be.

In Detroit’s 5-4 series-opening win over the Toronto Blue Jays, Baez made one of the best defensive plays of the night in the second inning. After a running, diving grab in right-center to rob Nathan Lukes of a hit, he immediately fired a laser to first base to double off Addison Barger.

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“I was kind of in between two jumps,” Baez said. “I took the first step really good, though, and got to the ball good.”

The throw was just as jaw-dropping.

“Just to be able to catch his breath for a second and throw a perfect one-hopper,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “An impactful play, very big at that point in the game to end the inning.”

A Leader by Example

Baez wasn’t done. In the eighth, he launched a solo home run — his fifth in May — giving the Tigers a 5-3 lead that proved crucial after Toronto answered with a Bo Bichette homer in the bottom of the inning.

“Even just embracing the move to center field… it’s awesome to see,” said pitcher Jack Flaherty, who benefited from Baez’s work behind him.

Riley Greene also contributed a solo homer and a two-run double, but made sure to highlight Baez’s effort:

“He’s such a great athlete and he makes it look so easy,” Greene said.

Through 11 games in May, Baez is slashing .326/.354/.696 with 17 RBIs, two doubles, and five home runs.

Tigers Look to Olson to Lock in Series Win

Right-hander Reese Olson (4-3, 3.38 ERA) will take the mound Saturday as the Tigers aim to clinch the series. Olson has been sharp against the Blue Jays, boasting a 1-0 record with an 0.87 ERA in three career appearances.

For fans following MLB betting predictions, Olson’s track record against Toronto adds serious intrigue to this weekend’s MLB picks and analysis, especially as Detroit tries to stretch its win streak to five.

Blue Jays Search for Answers

Toronto had yet to name a starter as of late Friday, though left-hander Eric Lauer (1-0, 2.00 ERA) is a candidate to either open or serve as the bulk reliever. His past outings against the Tigers have been rough — he’s 0-2 with a sky-high 19.80 ERA in two starts.

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The Blue Jays are trying to avoid consecutive home series losses, after dropping two of three to the Rays earlier this week.

Slumping slugger Anthony Santander was sidelined again with shoulder soreness and wasn’t available even in a pinch-hit role Friday night.

“His shoulder was a little bit cranky still,” said Toronto manager John Schneider. “So I didn’t want to force him in there.”

Toronto’s Nathan Lukes also exited in the seventh due to a migraine, though Myles Straw filled in admirably, logging two singles, a stolen base, and an RBI.