If the Toronto Blue Jays want to turn this season into anything, they’ll need to start hitting more consistently. And what better place to start than with a four-game set against the Athletics?
After an encouraging start to the season, the old A’s have emerged, losing 13 of their last 14 games overall, with pitching being the biggest problem.
My Athletics vs. Blue Jays predictions break down if the Toronto bats can take advantage of that and bust out.
Here are my MLB picks for this American League matchup with first pitch set to go at Rogers Centre in Toronto at 7:07 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 29.
Athletics vs Blue Jays prediction
My Athletics vs Blue Jays best bet: Over 8.5 (-120 at bet365)
The season started so well for the Athletics. They were hitting. They were pitching. And they were 20-16 back on May 5.
But the pitching has fallen off a cliff, and they have started to look like the old A’s. They enter tonight’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays with the third-worst ERA and fourth-worst opponent batting average. As a result, they have dropped 13 of their last 14 overall.
In hopes of figuring anything out, they hand the ball to Jacob Lopez tonight. The 27-year-old left-hander is making just his third start of the season and the fifth of his career.
His first start of the season was rocky, lasting just 2 2/3 innings after surrendering three runs on six hits and four walks against the Texas Rangers. However, he followed that up with a gem in his last start against the Philadelphia Phillies.
One of Lopez’s issues has been control, as his 12.1% walk rate is among some of the highest among MLB pitchers. He also ranks below league average in both whiff and chase rate.
So, while the Blue Jays' offense has struggled, they should get some base runners in this one if they are patient. Plus, they’ve been a little better against southpaws this season, ranking 13th in batting average, 12th in OPS, and 11th in wRC+.
Countering Lopez is Jose Berrios. The veteran right-hander hasn't had his best stuff this season, pitching to a 5.11 expected ERA while giving up a .268 expected batting average to opponents.
Even though the A’s haven’t come by many wins lately, this offense still ranks a respectable 15th in batting average and 10th in both OPS and wRC+ vs. righties.
I’m betting we see scoring from both sides in this one, so give me the Over 8.5 tonight.
Athletics vs Blue Jays same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 8.5
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 0.5 RBI
Jacob Lopez Over 1.5 walks allowed
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is someone who should help contribute to the Over.
The Blue Jays star slugger is locked in, ranking in the 97th percentile in expected batting average, 87th percentile in average exit velocity, 89th percentile in hard-hit rate, and 96th percentile in bat speed.
He hits the ball hard and often. He is also crushing lefties to the tune of a .333 average and a .961 OPS. Add him to drive in a run to this same-game parlay.
Let’s close this SGP out with Lopez to go Over 1.5 walks. He’s issued multiple walks in two of his last three appearances. Toronto also has the third-highest walk rate when facing left-handed pitchers this season.
Athletics vs Blue Jays odds
Athletics vs Blue Jays live odds
Athletics vs Blue Jays opening odds
- Moneyline: A's +120 | Toronto -140
- Run line: A's +1.5 (-170) | Toronto -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Athletics vs Blue Jays trend
The Athletics have hit the Over in 29 of their last 52 games for +7.15 Units and a 12% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Athletics vs. Blue Jays.
How to watch Athletics vs Blue Jays and game info
| Location | Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON |
| Date | Thursday, 5-29-2025 |
| First pitch | 7:07 p.m. ET |
| TV | Rogers Sportsnet, NBCSCA |
| Athletics starting pitcher | Jacob Lopez (0-2, 2.57 ERA) |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher | Jose Berrios (1-2, 4.22 ERA) |
Athletics vs Blue Jays latest injuries
Athletics vs Blue Jays weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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