Toronto Blue Jays vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions June 1st 2025

Toronto Blue Jays vs Oakland Athletics June 1st 2025

The Athletics will visit the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The game is set to start at 1:37 PM, and fans can watch it on NSPCA. The retractable roof at the stadium means the mild weather with overcast clouds and a light crosswind may not affect play.

JP Sears will take the mound for the Athletics, bringing a 5.18 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Kevin Gausman will pitch for the Blue Jays, with a 3.68 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP. Both teams will aim to make the most of their starting pitchers in this afternoon game.

Athletics vs Blue Jays Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Athletics vs Blue Jays
• Venue: Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON
• Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
• Betting Odds: Athletics Spread +1.5 (-134), Blue Jays Spread -1.5 (+111), Athletics MoneyLine +161, Blue Jays MoneyLine -192, Over/Under 8.0 (-113/-107)

The Athletics Can Win If…

The Athletics recently played a close game against the Toronto Blue Jays, losing 8-7. Their offense showed strength with 11 hits, including three home runs. Tyler Soderstrom and Brent Rooker were key players, each hitting a home run and contributing crucial RBIs.

Offensively, the Athletics have some strong stats that can lead to a win. They rank sixth in the league with a .255 batting average and have hit 74 home runs this season. Their slugging percentage of .419 is also among the top in the league, showing they can hit for power.

JP Sears will start for the Athletics, bringing an ERA of 5.18. While his ERA might seem high, his WHIP of 1.27 suggests he can limit base runners. If Sears can deliver a quality start, the Athletics have a solid chance to outscore the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays Can Win If…

The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off a win against the Athletics, where they scored 8-7. George Springer was a standout, hitting two home runs and driving in two runs. Addison Barger and Bo Bichette also contributed with home runs, showing the team’s power at the plate.

The Blue Jays have been strong offensively, ranking 7th in batting average and on-base percentage. Their ability to hit home runs and doubles adds to their scoring potential. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette leading the lineup, they have reliable hitters who can change the game.

On the mound, Kevin Gausman will start for the Blue Jays. He has a solid ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 0.94, showing his effectiveness in limiting base runners. The Blue Jays’ pitching staff ranks 5th in strikeouts, which can be a key factor in keeping the Athletics’ hitters at bay.

The Lean

The Toronto Blue Jays are the favorites with a moneyline of -192. The Athletics have struggled with a 5.67 ERA, which ranks last in the league. The Blue Jays have a better pitching staff with a 4.03 ERA and a .236 batting average against. My model projects the Blue Jays to win with a score of 5-3.

The current over/under line is set at 8.0. The Athletics’ pitching issues suggest a higher-scoring game. The Blue Jays’ solid hitting stats, including a .326 on-base percentage, support this. My model projects a total score of 8, so taking the over at -113 is recommended.

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Blue Jays go for four-game sweep over spiraling Athletics

The Toronto Blue Jays are in prime position to complete a four-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics when the two clubs meet on Sunday at Rogers Centre. After winning the first three games by a combined score of 31-14, Toronto has won four straight overall and is showing signs of catching fire—despite some concern over an injury to center fielder Daulton Varsho.

Saturday’s 8-7 win highlighted both the Blue Jays’ power and the Athletics’ persistent problems. It also marked the second straight game that Oakland scored seven runs—only to lose again.

Toronto keeps rolling while Oakland unravels

The Blue Jays have been stacking runs with ease in this series, clubbing home runs and putting pressure on a battered A’s pitching staff. George Springer hit two long balls Saturday, and Bo Bichette reached a milestone with his 100th career home run—making him the first shortstop in Blue Jays history to hit the century mark.

Addison Barger also went deep, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his on-base streak to 31 games. Even the bullpen got a lift—Easton Lucas, recalled from Triple-A Buffalo, pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings to earn the win after starter Gunnar Hoglund lasted only six innings and gave up eight runs.

But the game’s tone shifted dramatically when Daulton Varsho pulled up rounding second base in the third inning. He was attempting to stretch a double when he grabbed his left hamstring and eventually collapsed at third base. Though he was able to walk off the field, he was replaced by Myles Straw and is now awaiting MRI results.

“This is tough,” said manager John Schneider. “He plays the game one way. It took the energy out of the game a bit.”

Varsho’s injury leaves hole in Jays’ outfield

Varsho had shoulder surgery in September and already missed the first 28 games of the season. In just 24 games this year, he’s slashing .207/.240/.543 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs while flashing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field.

His latest injury could be a significant blow to a Toronto team that’s just starting to find its offensive rhythm. The team will wait on MRI results before determining next steps, but any time without Varsho could test the depth of the Jays’ outfield.

Oakland’s pitching staff continues to crumble

The A’s went 7-21 in May and are now 1-16 in their last 17 games overall. They’ve surrendered 56 home runs in the past month and finished May with a 6.88 ERA—the worst in the majors.

Gunnar Hoglund gave up four home runs in six innings on Saturday, and with the bullpen overworked and underperforming, manager Mark Kotsay has few options to slow the bleeding.

“They continue to go out and play hard,” Kotsay said. “The result could have been much different today.”

There were bright spots for Oakland. Brent Rooker went 3-for-4 and crushed a two-run homer in the ninth. Rookie Denzel Clarke also continued to impress in front of a home-country crowd. The Toronto native hit his first career MLB home run in the second inning—a two-run shot—and added to a strong debut series that already includes a home-run-saving catch and an RBI from Friday’s game.

Sears and Gausman square off in series finale

Oakland will turn to left-hander JP Sears (4-5, 5.18 ERA), who has a strong history against the Blue Jays, going 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings across three career games.

Toronto counters with right-hander Kevin Gausman (5-4, 3.68 ERA), who’s been consistently effective. In eight career starts against Oakland, Gausman has a 2.50 ERA and 50 1/3 innings under his belt.

Sears will need his best stuff to slow a surging Toronto lineup, while Gausman will look to capitalize on Oakland’s cold bats and lock down the sweep.

FAQs

What’s the status of Daulton Varsho?
He exited Saturday’s game with left hamstring discomfort and is awaiting MRI results. His status for Sunday is uncertain.

How have the Blue Jays performed in this series?
They’ve won the first three games, outscoring the Athletics 31-14 and showcasing power throughout the lineup.

Who stood out for the Athletics despite the loss?
Brent Rooker hit a late home run, and rookie Denzel Clarke homered and continues to impress in his debut series.

What’s the current streak for the A’s?
Oakland has lost five straight and 16 of their last 17 games overall.

Who’s starting Sunday’s game for each team?
JP Sears goes for the A’s, while Kevin Gausman takes the mound for Toronto.

How has Gausman pitched against Oakland in his career?
He’s 2-3 with a 2.50 ERA in eight starts versus the Athletics.