Game Details:
Matchup: Blue Jays vs Pirates
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 6:35 PM ET
Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Betting Line: Blue Jays -135 | Pirates +115 | Over/Under: 8.5
Key Storylines
Wild Card Race Heating Up
Toronto enters tonight’s matchup sitting right in the thick of the Wild Card chase in the American League. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is looking to build some late-season momentum behind a developing core as they continue to rebuild in the National League Central.
Revenge Game for Bassitt?
Chris Bassitt is projected to get the start for Toronto. The veteran right-hander pitched for the Pirates early in his career and has quietly been one of the most consistent arms in the Blue Jays rotation this year with a 3.65 ERA and 1.17 WHIP through 24 starts.
Young Guns on Display for Pittsburgh
The Pirates are leaning heavily on their young talent, including rookie standout Paul Skenes, who won’t pitch tonight but has helped rejuvenate the fan base in recent weeks. Jared Jones is expected to start for Pittsburgh and brings electric stuff but has struggled with command, owning a 4.42 ERA and 1.31 WHIP this season.
Injury Report
Toronto:
Out: Yimi García (forearm), Danny Jansen (wrist)
Questionable: George Springer (hamstring)
Pittsburgh:
Out: Oneil Cruz (ankle), JT Brubaker (elbow), Endy Rodriguez (shoulder)
Betting Trends
Against the Spread (ATS):
Blue Jays: 59-63 ATS this season
Pirates: 64-58 ATS this season
Over/Under Trends:
The total has gone under in 6 of Toronto’s last 8 games
The total has gone under in 4 of Pittsburgh’s last 6 home games
Player Prop to Watch
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Total Bases: 1.5
Guerrero has been heating up at the plate in August, hitting over .330 for the month. Up against a hard-throwing but erratic pitcher in Jones, there’s value in taking the over on total bases for Vladdy.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Blue Jays -135 ML → Toronto’s playoff urgency and Bassitt’s consistency give them a solid edge tonight.
Total: Under 8.5 → Both teams have been trending under recently, and this could be a pitcher’s duel if Jones limits walks.
Player Prop: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 Total Bases → He’s due to tag some fastballs tonight.
The Blue Jays need every win they can get down the stretch, and this feels like a game they can take control of early. Expect a solid outing from Bassitt and just enough offense to pull out a road win.
Final Score Prediction: Blue Jays 5, Pirates 2
