Matchday: Friday, June 13, 2025
First Pitch: 6:45 PM ET
Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Broadcast: MLB Network, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Sportsnet
Overview: Blue Jays vs. Phillies – Interleague Showdown in Philadelphia
The Toronto Blue Jays (38-30) travel to face the Philadelphia Phillies (39-29) in the first game of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Toronto enters the matchup on a three-game road winning streak, while Philadelphia looks to bounce back after a 3-7 stretch in their last 10 games.
Both teams are firmly in the playoff race, making this series a crucial test for their postseason aspirations.
Toronto Blue Jays: Riding Momentum into Philadelphia
The Blue Jays have been one of the hottest teams in baseball, winning eight of their last ten games and sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in their previous series. Their offense has been clicking, led by Alejandro Kirk, who went 9-for-15 in the St. Louis series with two home runs and four RBIs.
Key Players to Watch:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – .278 AVG, 8 HR, 39 BB; leads the team in OBP (.380)
- Bo Bichette – 40 RBI; ranks 31st in MLB in RBIs this season
- George Springer – 10 HR; Toronto’s top power hitter
Starting Pitcher:
- Kevin Gausman (5-4, 3.87 ERA, 78 K) – Veteran ace looking to set the tone for Toronto
Injury Report:
- Out: Nathan Lukes (neck), Daulton Varsho (hamstring), Anthony Santander (shoulder), Yimi Garcia (shoulder), Max Scherzer (thumb), Alek Manoah (elbow)
Philadelphia Phillies: Seeking Stability at Home
The Phillies have struggled recently, going 3-7 in their last 10 games while hitting just .231 as a team. However, they remain strong at home (21-13 record) and boast a lineup featuring Kyle Schwarber, who leads the team with 21 home runs and 47 RBIs.
Key Players to Watch:
- Kyle Schwarber – 21 HR, 47 RBI; ranks 4th in MLB in homers
- Trea Turner – .303 AVG; leads Phillies in batting average
- Nick Castellanos – .287 AVG, 17 doubles, 6 HR
Starting Pitcher:
- Ranger Suárez (4-1, 2.70 ERA, 38 K) – Phillies’ most consistent starter this season
Injury Report:
- Out: Brandon Marsh (elbow), Bryce Harper (wrist), Aaron Nola (ankle)
Head-to-Head: Blue Jays vs. Phillies
- Season Series: Toronto leads 2-1
- Last Meeting: Blue Jays 5-4 Phillies (May 2025)
- At Citizens Bank Park: Phillies are 21-13 at home
Tactical Breakdown & Prediction
Toronto will look to continue their offensive momentum, relying on Guerrero Jr. and Bichette to drive in runs. Philadelphia, meanwhile, must capitalize on Suárez’s strong pitching and find consistency at the plate.
Game Odds
Toronto Blue Jays 8
Philadelphia Phillies – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 12, 2025
