MLB Game Preview: Cleveland Guardians (18-13) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (15-16)

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The Cleveland Guardians and Toronto Blue Jays are set to open a three-game series on May 2, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast live on Sportsnet and Guardians TV.

Starting Pitchers

Cleveland Guardians – Logan Allen (1-2, 4.21 ERA)

Allen has had an inconsistent start to the season, posting a 4.21 ERA across five starts. He struggled in his last outing against Boston, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits in 4.1 innings.

Toronto Blue Jays – Chris Bassitt (2-2, 2.62 ERA)

Bassitt has been solid, ranking 18th in MLB in ERA (2.62) and 15th in strikeouts per nine innings (10.2 K/9). He has recorded two quality starts this season and is averaging 5.7 innings per appearance.

Team Form and Key Players

Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland has been strong on the road, going 7-8 away from home. Their offense ranks 23rd in MLB in batting average (.233) and 20th in slugging percentage (.379).

Key Players:

  • Steven Kwan – Leads the team with a .311 batting average, five doubles, and four home runs.
  • Angel Martinez – Batting .345 over his last 10 games, providing consistency at the plate.

Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto has been solid at home, holding a 10-6 record at Rogers Centre. Their offense ranks eighth in the AL in on-base percentage (.308).

Key Players:

  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Batting .267 with four home runs and 17 RBIs.
  • Bo Bichette – Has struggled recently, going 11-for-42 in his last 10 games.

Key Matchups and Strategies

  1. Bassitt vs. Guardians’ Offense – Cleveland ranks 13th in MLB in home runs (34), making Bassitt’s ability to limit long balls crucial.
  2. Allen vs. Blue Jays’ Power Hitters – Toronto’s lineup features multiple right-handed power hitters, including Guerrero Jr. and Bichette, who could challenge Allen.
  3. Bullpen Battle – Both teams have had inconsistent relief pitching, making late-game execution critical.
  4. Home vs. Away Performance – Toronto has been strong at home, while Cleveland has been decent on the road, setting up an intriguing battle.

Game Odds

Cleveland Guardians      8.5

Toronto Blue Jays             – 162

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 1, 2025