Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays Picks and Prediction for Thursday September 18 2025

By: Eddie Kline Published 09/18/2025, 12:30 AM ET

Blue Jays Preview

AL East Division foes will square off on Thursday afternoon, when the Toronto Blue Jays face the Tampa Bay Rays from Steinbrenner Field. Be ready for the baseball season with all of our MLB predictions. The Blue Jays (89-63) are a game above .500 on the road and are 4.5 games ahead of New York for first place. Last night, SS Ernie Clement had two of Toronto’s four hits during a 2-1 road loss against Tampa Bay.

Thirty-six year old righty Chris Bassitt (11-8 3.90 ERA) has provided a strong veteran presence for the Toronto rotation. Last time out, Bassitt (5 IP) allowed one run and struck out six batters during a 6-1 home victory versus Baltimore.

Rays Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays have dropped eight of their previous 11 games and are on the verge of being eliminated from postseason contention. During Wednesday’s home victory, Tampa Bay leadoff hitter Chandler Simpson went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. DH Yandy Diaz reached base four times and drove in the other run for the Rays (74-78), who improved to 39-38 at home.

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash will give the nod to right-hander Shane Baz (9-12 5.15 ERA) on Thursday. In his last start, Baz surrendered five runs and lasted just two plus innings during a 6-4 road loss against the Chicago Cubs.

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Blue Jays vs Rays Pick

Toronto SS Bo Bichette suffered a PCL sprain in his left knee and hopes to return for the postseason. Through 152 games, Toronto ranks 3rd in OPS and 4th in runs scored. For the season, Tampa Bay ranks 14th in OPS and 14th in runs scored. Take the Blue Jays to win on the road. Final Score Prediction, Toronto Blue Jays win 5-3.

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