Things got a little spicy in the opener between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Pittsburgh Pirates last night. But honestly, who bat flips a walk?
Ridiculous antics aside, Pittsburgh took the game by a score of 5-2.
Now, Toronto will look to respond where it matters the most, and my Blue Jays predictions break down why I like super-slugging outfielder Daulton Varsho to have a productive day at the dish.
Blue Jays predictions for August 19
- Best bet
Daulton Varsho Over 0.5 runs
(+100 at BetVictor) - SGP pick
Daulton Varsho Over 0.5 runs
Daulton Varsho Over 0.5 RBI
Max Scherzer Over 5.5 strikeouts
(+460 at BetVictor)
Today’s Blue Jays best bet: Varsho's Productivity Stays High
Daulton Varsho Over 0.5 runs (+100 at BetVictor)
I don’t care if Tyler Heineman complained about strike calls. Emphatically bat flipping a walk, that didn’t even score a run, is ridiculous. Tommy Pham you are ridiculous.
Now the Toronto Blue Jays are focused on Game 2 of their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. And honestly they can’t let another game slip away against the lowly Buccos.
But this time the Pirates won’t have Paul Skenes to bail them out. Tonight, it’s Max Scherzer vs. Mitch Keller and it means I like the Blue Jays lineup to be more productive, even if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is sidelined for a couple games with a groin injury.
With Vladdy potentially out, let’s lean on the spark plug of this Blue Jays offense, Daulton Varsho.
Varsho has always been known for his slugging prowess, but he’s doing it with a lot more frequency lately. The outfielder is hitting .341 with a 1.234 OPS over his last 12 games. That includes five home runs, nine runs scored, and 14 RBIs.
Simply put, he has been producing for this team, and I like his matchup tonight against Keller.
The veteran right-hander has been in a slump since the All-Star break, pitching to a 7.54 ERA while giving up a .333 average over five starts. He now ranks in the 41st percentile in expected ERA and the 23rd in expected batting average.
I don’t hate Varsho to get into one tonight and cash the Over 0.5 home runs at +380, but for best bet purposes were going with the Blue Jays outfielder to score a run at even money.
Today’s Blue Jays same-game parlay (SGP)
Daulton Varsho Over 0.5 runs
Daulton Varsho Over 0.5 RBI
Max Scherzer Over 5.5 strikeouts
Let’s double down on this productive day at the dish for Varsho by backing him to drive in a run tonight.
He has 14 in his last 12 games, and if Vladdy is sidelined, he could be pushed up to the cleanup spot, meaning he’ll have additional opportunities to drive in runs.
Then let’s round this SGP out with Max Scherzer to rack up the punchouts against the Buccos.
Scherzer’s looking more comfortable with every start and has a solid strikeout rate sitting at 24.1% while the Pirates have the eighth-highest strikeout rate vs. right-handed pitching in baseball.
Give me Mad Max to get 6+ Ks tonight.
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Live Blue Jays odds for today
How to watch the Blue Jays today
| Location | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Tuesday, August 19, 2025 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | Rogers Sportsnet |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher | Max Scherzer (3-2, 3.83 ERA) |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Mitch Keller (5-11, 4.13 ERA) |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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