Toronto Blue Jays vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Prediction for Sunday, May 17, 2026

By: Jake Allman Published 05/17/2026, 12:40 AM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers close out this weekend series at Comerica Park on Sunday afternoon. Toronto enters the matchup at 19-25 after dropping Friday’s opener 3-2, while Detroit improved to 20-25 with the win. Bettors looking for free MLB picks will see a matchup that feels close on paper, especially with both teams sitting near the bottom of their divisions and struggling to build consistency. Elevate your MLB game with our top-notch MLB picks.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 PM ET at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. Weather conditions look solid for offense with temperatures expected around 72 degrees. Kevin Gausman gets the ball for Toronto, while Detroit counters with Jack Flaherty in a battle of veteran right-handers.

Blue Jays Preview

Toronto has lost four of the last five games, and the offense has cooled off during that stretch. The Blue Jays are hitting .245 as a team with a .310 OBP and 40 home runs on the season. Kazuma Okamoto continues to provide middle-of-the-order power with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs, while Ernie Clement has been Toronto’s most reliable contact hitter with a .291 average. The lineup has struggled in clutch spots recently, scoring three runs or fewer in three of the last five games.

Gausman gives Toronto a clear edge on the mound entering Sunday. The veteran right-hander owns a 3.86 ERA with an excellent 1.09 WHIP across 51.1 innings. Gausman has also limited walks with only nine free passes while striking out 48 hitters. Toronto’s pitching staff carries a respectable 4.10 ERA overall, and Gausman’s ability to attack the strike zone should help against a Detroit lineup that has been inconsistent most of the season.

Subscribe Now

I authorize Picks And Parlays to send me promotional emails

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Terms & Conditions

Tigers Preview

Detroit snapped a rough stretch with Friday’s win and has been much stronger in day games with an 11-4 daytime record. Riley Greene continues to be Detroit’s most complete hitter, batting .329 with a .422 OBP, while Dillon Dingler leads the club with 28 RBIs and eight home runs. The Tigers have slightly better offensive numbers than Toronto, with a .325 OBP and .387 slugging percentage.

Flaherty has been a concern for Detroit. The right-hander is still searching for his first win at 0-4 with a 5.73 ERA and a troubling 1.73 WHIP. Control issues have hurt him badly, as Flaherty has already issued 29 walks in just 37.2 innings. Against a Toronto lineup that remains patient at the plate, those extra baserunners could become a major problem late in the game.

Tigers vs Blue Jays Prediction

Toronto has the stronger pitching matchup, and that becomes even more important in a series finale between two inconsistent offenses. Gausman has been reliable at limiting traffic on the bases all season, while Flaherty has struggled badly with command and efficiency. Toronto also has a clear advantage in strikeout-to-walk numbers, which could create scoring opportunities if Flaherty falls behind in counts early. Detroit’s offense has shown flashes, especially during day games, but the Tigers have not consistently supported Flaherty when he starts. Toronto’s lineup has enough power to capitalize on mistakes, and Gausman’s ability to work deep into games should help keep pressure off the bullpen. If the Blue Jays can grab an early lead, this matchup sets up well for Toronto to control the pace from the middle innings forward and avoid another close late-game loss.

Best Picks

Blue Jays Moneyline
Under 8.5 Runs

Prediction: Blue Jays 5, Tigers 3

Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance

Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.

Min. Deposit $5

Cashable No

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Requirement New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)

Cashable No

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Min. Deposit $5

Odds Requirements -500

Cashable No

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 7/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.