MLB Game Preview: Toronto Blue Jays (73-53) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (53-73)

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Pittsburgh Pirates logo

Game Details

  • Time: 6:40 PM ET
  • Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Broadcast: Sportsnet, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, ESPN+

Team Form & Storylines

Toronto Blue Jays

  • Record: 73–53 (1st in AL East)
  • Last 10 Games: 5–5
  • Streak: L1
  • Recent Highlight: Fell to Paul Skenes and the Pirates in Monday’s opener

Toronto leads the AL East but can’t afford to drop another game to a struggling Pirates squad. Their offense has been red-hot since the All-Star break, leading MLB in batting average (.268), OPS, and wRC+. Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continue to anchor the lineup, while Max Scherzer takes the mound tonight looking to bounce back from a tough loss.

Pittsburgh Pirates

  • Record: 53–73 (5th in NL Central)
  • Last 10 Games: 3–7
  • Streak: W1
  • Recent Highlight: Shut down Toronto 5–2 behind Paul Skenes’ dominant outing

The Pirates are playing spoiler and did just that Monday night. Despite a tough season, they’ve shown flashes behind Bryan Reynolds, Andrew McCutchen, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Mitch Keller gets the start tonight, but he’s struggled recently with a 7.54 ERA over his last five outings.

Probable Starters

TeamPitcherStats
Blue JaysMax Scherzer3–2, 3.83 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 52 K
PiratesMitch Keller5–11, 4.13 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 112 K

Key Matchups

PlayerTeamImpact
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.Blue Jays.298 AVG, 21 HR, 69 RBI
Bo BichetteBlue Jays82 RBI, .316 last 5 games
Bryan ReynoldsPirates13 HR, 61 RBI
Andrew McCutchenPirates.239 AVG, 11 HR

Game Odds

Toronto Blue Jays             – 150

Pittsburgh Pirates            8.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Monday, August 18, 2025