Toronto Blue Jays vs San Diego Padres Picks and Predictions May 22nd 2025

Padres Desperate for Offense as Blue Jays Eye Sweep in Toronto

For the San Diego Padres, the last five days have been nothing short of a nightmare. With a five-game losing streak in progress, an offense stuck in neutral, and a defensive implosion on Wednesday that saw four errors — including three by star third baseman Manny Machado — it’s safe to say the club is reeling.

Following a 14-0 drubbing at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Padres now find themselves having been outscored 17-0 through the first two games of this three-game set. Even more troubling? San Diego has gone an astonishing 0-for-32 with runners in scoring position during their skid — a number that looms large as they prepare for Thursday’s series finale.

Manager Mike Shildt remains optimistic but realistic.

“We know what this group is capable of,” Shildt said postgame. “But we haven’t seen it in the past five days. There’s no excuses — the only answer is to keep our heads up and keep grinding. That’s how you stop the bleeding.”

To see how San Diego’s skid is affecting game lines and matchups, visit the MLB Odds Page.

San Diego’s Bats Go Silent

Wednesday’s blowout loss was the latest example of just how flat the Padres’ offense has become. San Diego went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and committed four fielding errors — a lethal combination that turned a competitive game into a rout by the seventh inning.

Machado, typically one of the club’s most dependable defenders, uncharacteristically committed three errors in the same frame, helping the Blue Jays plate five runs and break the game open.

Tyler Wade, an outfielder by trade, was even called in to pitch the final inning. He allowed two hits and one run in mop-up duty — a symbol of just how far off course this Padres team has veered.

Want to track San Diego’s full lineup struggles and player metrics? Check the MLB Team Page.

Arraez a Lone Bright Spot

While nearly every Padre struggled on Wednesday, second baseman Luis Arraez continued to quietly produce. He went 2-for-4 with a double and a triple, extending his hitting streak to eight games. In fact, Arraez has tormented the Blue Jays his entire career, batting .380 (27-for-71) with five doubles and two triples in 18 games.

Unfortunately, Arraez’s solo efforts haven’t translated into wins — or runs — for a San Diego lineup that has managed just three runs during its five-game skid.

Fans looking to bet on Arraez’s streak or prop performance should head to the MLB Pick Page for expert projections and betting angles.

Blue Jays Catch Fire at the Right Time

Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays are enjoying a late-May surge that could redefine their season. After struggling through the early part of their homestand, the Jays now find themselves on the brink of a sweep and a winning record over the nine-game stretch.

Nathan Lukes sparked the offense on Wednesday, going 3-for-4 with a two-run homer. Daulton Varsho added a thunderous grand slam — the fourth of his career — to cap a five-run seventh and a seven-run eighth inning that buried the Padres.

“That was the Blue Jays lineup we know we can be,” Lukes said. “Hopefully we keep rolling.”

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added a bloop RBI single to extend his on-base streak to 21 games. During that run, he’s hitting .308 with a .415 OBP, four home runs, and 10 RBIs.

Manager John Schneider was pleased with the patience and power his club showed.

“The vibe is, just keep swinging it,” Schneider said. “We hit it hard early and didn’t get much, but the guys stuck with it and the runs came.”

Stay updated on Toronto’s offensive trends and injury updates via the MLB Team Page.

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Thursday’s Pitching Matchup: Kolek vs. Francis

Looking to avoid a sweep and end their five-game slide, the Padres will turn to right-hander Stephen Kolek (2-1, 2.33 ERA). Kolek hasn’t started many games, but his performances in relief have been solid. He’s faced the Blue Jays once — throwing two-thirds of a scoreless inning back on April 19.

San Diego is banking on his ability to keep the Jays’ bats quiet and give their own offense a chance to wake up.

Opposing him is righty Bowden Francis (2-6, 5.63 ERA), who’s been inconsistent but effective when his command is sharp. Like Kolek, he also faced the Padres on April 19, tossing two scoreless innings of relief.

Both pitchers have something to prove — Francis is fighting to solidify a rotation spot, while Kolek is auditioning for more starts.

Check the Expert Betting Guide for pitcher trends and matchup breakdowns.

What’s at Stake in the Series Finale

For the Blue Jays, a sweep would mean finishing their homestand 5-4 — a respectable outcome after an up-and-down few weeks. More importantly, it would continue their momentum heading into June, with their offense firing on all cylinders and Guerrero Jr. finding his groove.

For the Padres, this game is about pride and hitting the reset button. Another loss would drop them to six straight — and deepen questions about the team’s direction, lineup construction, and clubhouse morale.

A win won’t fix everything, but it’s a necessary first step.

FAQs

Why are the Padres struggling offensively?
San Diego is in a deep funk, going 0-for-32 with runners in scoring position during their five-game losing streak. Poor situational hitting and defensive errors have compounded the issue.

Who is starting Thursday’s game for San Diego?
Stephen Kolek (2-1, 2.33 ERA) is expected to start. He has pitched well in relief and will be making a rare start to help stop the skid.

What happened in Wednesday’s game?
The Padres lost 14-0. Manny Machado committed three errors in one inning, and the Blue Jays exploded for 12 runs over the final three innings.

How is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. performing lately?
He has reached base in 21 straight games and is hitting .308 during that stretch, with four homers and 10 RBIs.

Who is pitching for the Blue Jays on Thursday?
Bowden Francis (2-6, 5.63 ERA) will get the start. He’s pitched well in stretches but struggles with consistency.

Where can I get betting picks and insights for this game?
Visit the MLB Pick Page for expert picks, prop bets, and in-depth previews.