Rays vs Blue Jays predictions
The Tampa Bay Rays are sending Zack Littell to the mound, and I think he’ll be a steady presence for about six innings, giving up a couple runs but keeping things competitive. Jonathan Aranda’s hot bat should keep humming—he’s showing off that .339 average and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him reach base a couple times, maybe even drive in a run. Junior Caminero, with his eight homers already, looks poised for another productive outing. I’m also keeping an eye on their speed with Travis Jankowski and Chandler Simpson—these guys could shake things up on the bases, even if the Rays’ lineup isn’t the most powerful in the bigs right now.
Switching over to the Toronto Blue Jays, Kevin Gausman is a huge asset on the mound. He always seems to give the Jays a solid shot, and I’d expect him to rack up at least five or six strikeouts while limiting damage. At the plate, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is swinging a hot bat lately, and it feels like another multi-hit game is right around the corner for him. Bo Bichette has been quietly consistent, and I think he’s got a big day in him—possibly an extra-base hit or two. George Springer always finds a way to get into the action as well, whether it’s with his bat or scoring runs on the bases.
With the series tied and the Rogers Centre crowd behind them, it’s tough to pick against Toronto in this one. The Blue Jays’ combination of reliable starting pitching and a lineup that’s starting to click makes them my pick to edge out the Tampa Bay Rays in the rubber match. It shouldn’t be a runaway; the Rays have that pesty energy, but Toronto’s balance both on the mound and at the plate gives them a clear advantage at home. It feels like the Jays are ready to seize the series and keep building momentum in the AL East.
