Tampa Bay (19-22) at Toronto (20-21)
- When: May 13 2025, 7:07 PM
- Where: Rogers Centre, Toronto
- Where to watch: SN1
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays – Betting Preview and Prediction
Toronto is the Moneyline favorite at -160, and the Total is set at 8.0.
Tampa Bay Rays:
The Rays are riding high after an improbable comeback win against the Blue Jays, stealing a wild 11-9 victory in the series opener. Trailing 7-6 in the ninth with just one out, Tampa Bay’s chances of victory were a slim 7.4%, yet they exploded for five runs off Toronto’s struggling closer Jeff Hoffman. The highlight? Junior Caminero’s first career grand slam, a dagger that sent shockwaves through Rogers Centre.
Rays lefty Mason Montgomery, who shut the door by retiring Daulton Varsho with two runners aboard, sees this as a momentum-changer. “It’s going to be exciting to see where it goes,” Montgomery remarked, reflecting the team’s newfound confidence. Manager Kevin Cash echoed those sentiments, praising his squad’s resilience: “It could have been a really frustrating night for us, and the guys stayed at it.”
On the mound for the Rays in Game 2 will be right-hander Ryan Pepiot (2-4, 3.86 ERA), making his first career start against Toronto. Tampa Bay’s offense showed they could come alive in bursts, and they’ll need more of that against a stingy Blue Jays lineup.
Toronto Blue Jays:
For the Blue Jays, Tuesday’s collapse was a gut punch. Up 7-6 with just two outs to go, Hoffman, who had been lights out earlier in the season, imploded. Over his last six appearances, he’s sporting a brutal 24.75 ERA, ballooning his overall season ERA to 6.05. Manager John Schneider still trusts his closer, saying, “His stuff has been consistent all year,” despite the recent meltdown.
Daulton Varsho provided the offensive spark for Toronto, blasting two home runs, including a clutch three-run shot in the eighth. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to hold back the Rays’ surge.
On the mound, Chris Bassitt (3-2, 3.35 ERA) will try to right the ship for Toronto. Historically, Bassitt has struggled against the Rays, going just 1-5 with a 3.65 ERA in eight appearances. He’ll need to bring his A-game if Toronto is going to shake off Tuesday’s disaster.
The Blue Jays are also missing a key bat, as Yandy Diaz is out due to a passport issue. His absence puts more pressure on the rest of the lineup to deliver against a Rays team that now has its confidence soaring.
Prediction and Final Score:
Momentum is squarely with the Rays after that thrilling comeback, but Bassitt’s experience and Toronto’s need to respond should be enough to steady the ship. Look for the Blue Jays to bounce back and win a tighter, lower-scoring affair.
Score Prediction: Blue Jays 4, Rays 3
Best Bet: Toronto Moneyline (-160)
Total:
Under 8.0 (-105)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
