Game Overview
The Toronto Blue Jays (27-28) will host the Athletics (23-33) in the series opener at Rogers Centre. Toronto enters the matchup having won two of their last three games, including a dominant 2-0 victory over the Texas Rangers, where Bo Bichette homered in the ninth inning and the pitching staff combined for a one-hitter. Meanwhile, Oakland has lost 13 of their last 14 games, struggling offensively after being outscored 16-4 in their two-game series against the Houston Astros.
Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Jacob Lopez (LHP) | 0-1 | 2.57 | 1.12 | 14 |
| Blue Jays | José Berríos (RHP) | 1-2 | 4.22 | 1.36 | 56 |
Lopez has been solid in limited starts, posting a 2.57 ERA in 14 innings, while Berríos is looking to build on his recent form, having gone six innings with three earned runs against Tampa Bay in his last outing.
Team Comparisons
| Category | Athletics | Blue Jays |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 23-33 | 27-28 |
| Runs Per Game | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Batting Average | .255 | .246 |
| Home Runs | 69 | 46 |
| ERA | 5.40 | 4.08 |
| Bullpen ERA | 4.89 | 3.72 |
Oakland has been better offensively, ranking sixth in slugging percentage (.417), while Toronto has struggled with power hitting, ranking 26th in home runs (46).
Key Players to Watch
Athletics
- Brent Rooker (OF) – 12 HR, 27 RBI, hitting .286.
- Tyler Soderstrom (C) – 10 HR, 31 RBI, providing consistent power.
- Jacob Wilson (INF) – 7 HR, 30 RBI, hitting .353, riding a four-game hitting streak.
Toronto Blue Jays
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B) – 7 HR, 33 walks, hitting .274.
- Bo Bichette (SS) – 4 HR, 25 RBI, coming off a clutch home run against Texas.
- Alejandro Kirk (C) – Leads Toronto with a .286 batting average, riding a five-game hitting streak.
Matchup Breakdown
- Athletics’ Power vs. Blue Jays’ Pitching – Oakland ranks eighth in home runs, while Toronto’s pitching staff has been inconsistent.
- Blue Jays’ Contact Hitting vs. Athletics’ Defense – Toronto has a solid batting average (.246) but lacks power, while Oakland has struggled defensively.
- Bullpen Battle – Both teams have shaky relief pitching, making late-game execution crucial.
Game Odds
Athletics 8.5
Toronto Blue Jays – 166
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, May 28, 2025
