MLB Game Preview: Texas Rangers (61-61) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (71-51)

Venue: Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
First Pitch: 7:07 PM ET
Broadcast: Apple TV+
Radio: KRLD 105.3 FM (Texas), Sportsnet 590 The FAN (Toronto)

Match Context

The Blue Jays, leaders of the AL East, open a three-game home series against the Rangers, who are clinging to .500 and fading in the AL Wild Card race. Toronto is 40–20 at home and has lost just eight games at Rogers Centre since June 1. Texas, meanwhile, is 1–6 in its last seven and has dropped to third in the AL West.

This is the fourth meeting between the clubs this season. Toronto leads the season series 2–1.

Starting Pitchers

Texas Rangers – Jacob deGrom (10–5, 2.86 ERA, 0.95 WHIP)

• 143 K in 135.1 IP
• 2.0 BB/9, 9.5 K/9
• Rangers have lost his last 3 starts despite strong outings
• Needs run support: Texas scored just 5 runs total in those 3 games

Toronto Blue Jays – Chris Bassitt (11–6, 4.17 ERA, 1.32 WHIP)

• 128 K in 133.2 IP
• 2.4 BB/9, 8.6 K/9
• 8–2 at home this season
• ERA over 4.00 at Rogers Centre, but backed by strong offense

Key Hitters to Watch

Texas Rangers

• Corey Seager – 17 HR, .461 SLG
• Josh Smith – .268 AVG, 3-game hit streak
• Wyatt Langford – 16 HR, 17 doubles, 4-game hit streak

Toronto Blue Jays

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – .300 AVG, 20 HR, 67 RBI
• Ernie Clement – 15-for-42, 4 HR in last 10 games
• Addison Barger – .262 AVG, 25 doubles, 18 HR

Team Trends & Stats

Team	Record	Last 10	Batting Avg	Team ERA	Home/Road
Rangers	61–61	3–7	.229	4.25	24–35 road
Blue Jays	71–51	6–4	.310	3.44	40–20 home

• Rangers are 27–9 when hitting 2+ HR
• Blue Jays rank 4th in AL in slugging (.426)
• Rangers have been outscored by 10 runs over last 10 games

Despite deGrom’s elite form, Texas has struggled to support him offensively. Toronto’s home dominance and consistent run production give them the edge. Expect a tight, low-scoring affair.