The Toronto Blue Jays go for the series win when they play the rubber match against the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon, and as of now, we’re not sure if the cowardly Tommy Phan will be in the Buccos lineup.
However, we do know Bo Bichette will be anchoring Toronto’s lineup if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is still sidelined this afternoon, which means my Blue Jays predictions break down the best way to back Toronto’s super-hitting shortstop.
Read all about it in my MLB picks for August 20 below!
Blue Jays predictions for August 20
- Best bet
Bichette o1.5 TB
(+100 at BetVictor) - SGP pick
Bichette o1.5 TB
Bichette o 0.5 RBI
Pham u0.5 hits
(+600 at BetVictor)
Today’s Blue Jays best bet: How Bo can you go
Bo Bichette Over 1.5 total bases (+100 at BetVictor)
The Toronto Blue Jays evened up their series with the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 7-3 win on Tuesday night. Now, they’ll look for another series win in this afternoon’s matinee rubber match.
Even without Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays' bats came alive last night, racking up 10 hits. Bo Bichette was in the middle of the action, getting another RBI single. The hit extended Bichette’s most recent hitting streak to four games, where he is 6-for-16 with two doubles and four RBI.
Bichette is the leader in the American League in hits and ranks in the 99th percentile in expected batting average, so you know I’m betting he stays hot this afternoon.
Part of the reason for that is because he's set to face off against Johan Oviedo. The 27-year-old righty is making just his second start since 2023 after missing all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, with a lat injury limiting him to just one start in 2025.
It was back on August 4 against the San Francisco Giants, where he allowed two runs on two hits and three walks in just one inning of work.
It will likely be another short outing for him, which means lots of innings for a Pittsburgh bullpen that ranks 21st in the majors in ERA and strikeout rate.
With Bo likely hitting cleanup again today, he’s in line to have a productive day at the dish, so I can’t pass up on the Over 1.5 total bases at even money.
Today’s Blue Jays same-game parlay (SGP)
Bo Bichette Over 1.5 total bases
Bo Bichette Over 0.5 RBI
Tommy Pham Under 0.5 hits
Like I said, Bo is likely to hit cleanup if the Blue Jays continue to take it easy with Vladdy’s groin injury. That should mean plenty of opportunities to drive in runs against a struggling Pirates pitching staff.
Bichette has also been a super-productive run producer for the Jays this season, leading the team with 82 RBI.
And of course, we have to touch on the ridiculous Tommy Pham. The Pirates chickened out and left Pham out of the lineup on Tuesday night following his antics in the series opener.
If he’s back in there today, he won’t be focused on hitting the baseball... not that he's very good at it anyway. He’s hitting just .172 over his last nine games, going hitless five times over that stretch.
He’s also just 1-for-7 with three Ks in his career vs Chris Bassitt. With his mind elsewhere, he goes 0-fer this afternoon.
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Live Blue Jays odds for today
How to watch the Blue Jays today
| Location | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 |
| First pitch | 12:35 p.m. ET |
| TV | Rogers Sportsnet |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher | Chris Bassitt (11-6, 4.22 ERA) |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Johan Oviedo (0-0, 18.00 ERA) |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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