The San Francisco Giants will visit the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Friday, July 18, 2025. The game is set to start at 7:07 PM and will be broadcast on MLBN. The weather forecast predicts a mild day with clear skies, but the retractable roof may limit any impact from the light breeze.
The Giants have a record of 52-45 this season and are currently 6 games behind in the NL West. They have struggled on the road with a 24-25 record. Justin Verlander will start for the Giants, looking to improve his record of 0-7. The Blue Jays, with a 55-41 record, have been strong at home with a 32-16 record. Chris Bassitt will take the mound for the Blue Jays, bringing a 9-4 record into this game.
Giants vs Blue Jays Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays
- Venue: Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON
- Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
- Betting Odds: Giants Moneyline +116, Blue Jays Moneyline -136, Giants Runline +1.5 (-179), Blue Jays Runline -1.5 (+149), Total Over 8.5 (-115), Total Under 8.5 (-105)
The Giants Can Win If…
The San Francisco Giants are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Robbie Ray pitched well, going six innings with six strikeouts and allowing only two earned runs. Luis Matos was a standout, hitting a home run and driving in two runs.
The Giants have a strong pitching staff, ranking third in the league with a 3.52 ERA. Their pitchers have given up the second-fewest home runs, showing they can keep the ball in the park. With Justin Verlander starting, the Giants will rely on his experience to lead them to victory.
Rafael Devers is a key player for the Giants, with 17 home runs and 68 RBIs this season. His ability to drive in runs makes him a threat in any game. The Giants’ lineup also includes Heliot Ramos and Matt Chapman, who can provide solid support at the plate.
The Blue Jays Can Win If…
The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off a 6-3 loss against the Athletics. Despite the defeat, Addison Barger and Davis Schneider each hit a home run, showcasing their power at the plate. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also contributed with a hit, continuing his consistent performance this season.
The Blue Jays have a strong chance to win with their impressive batting average of .258, which ranks first in the league. Their on-base percentage is .327, placing them third. With 163 doubles, they are fifth in the league, showing their ability to hit for extra bases.
Chris Bassitt will start on the mound for Toronto, boasting a 9-4 record and a 4.12 ERA. He has been reliable, and his performance could be key. The Blue Jays’ lineup features Alejandro Kirk, who is hitting .303, and Bo Bichette, who has 53 RBIs, making them formidable at the plate.
The Lean
The Blue Jays are favored on the moneyline at -136, while the Giants are at +116. The Blue Jays have the best batting average in the league at .258 and a solid on-base percentage. The Giants have a strong pitching staff with a 3.52 ERA, ranking third. My model projects the Blue Jays to win with a score of 5-4, so I recommend taking the Blue Jays on the moneyline.
The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs, with the over at -115 and the under at -105. The Blue Jays’ strong hitting and the Giants’ pitching suggest a close game. My model projects a total of 9 runs. Given this, I recommend betting on the over for this game.
First-Place Blue Jays Open Second Half as Verlander Seeks First Win
The second half of the season is here, and for the Toronto Blue Jays, it’s about defending their perch atop the American League East. For San Francisco Giants ace Justin Verlander, it’s about finally getting a win. The first-place Toronto Blue Jays will open a six-game homestand on Friday night against the visiting San Francisco Giants.
The Verlander Watch
The biggest story of the night is on the mound for the Giants. Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander (0-7, 4.70 ERA), in a truly unbelievable turn of events, is still searching for his first victory of the 2025 season after 15 starts. The 42-year-old will try to break that streak against a Blue Jays team that he has a career 4-7 record against, though he has thrown two no-hitters against them in the past.
Jays on a Mission
The Blue Jays are coming back from the All-Star break with the most wins in franchise history before the midsummer classic (55). They hold a two-game lead in the tough AL East and are looking to their own superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., to have a huge second half.
“At some point in time, he’s going to get on a heater and he’ll end up carrying us for a while,” manager John Schneider said of his All-Star first baseman.
A Duel of Veterans
Friday’s pitching matchup features two experienced right-handers. While Verlander seeks his first win, the Blue Jays will counter with Chris Bassitt (9-4, 4.12 ERA). The contrast between a pitcher searching for any win and a steady veteran will be a key focus on the scores and odds board.
The Devers Factor
The Giants will be hoping their big trade acquisition, Rafael Devers, can find his form in the second half. Devers has struggled since coming to San Francisco but has a fantastic career record against the Blue Jays from his time in Boston. How players perform after the All-Star break is a key topic in our expert betting guide. For two MLB teams with high expectations, the second half starts now. To see who our experts think will win, check out our daily MLB picks.