The Texas Rangers limp into the finale of their three-game set against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon at Rogers Centre. First pitch is scheduled for 1:37 PM ET as Nathan Eovaldi (10–3, 1.71 ERA) takes the mound against José Berríos (9–4, 3.74 ERA). Both clubs enter with different trajectories: Texas sits at 61–63 (24–37 away) and fading in the AL Wild Card race, while Toronto, 73–51 (42–20 home), looks every bit like an October-bound team.
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Recent Team Form
Rangers (Last 5): 1–4
- L 14–2 @ TOR
- L 6–5 @ TOR
- L 6–4 vs ARI
- L 3–2 vs ARI
- W 7–6 F/10 vs ARI
Texas has dropped four straight, allowing 30 runs over that stretch. Injuries to key bats like Adolis García (10-Day IL) and the nagging status of Marcus Semien (day-to-day) have gutted the lineup.
Blue Jays (Last 5): 4–1
- W 14–2 vs TEX
- W 6–5 vs TEX
- W 2–1 vs CHC
- L 4–1 vs CHC
- W 5–1 vs CHC
Toronto is rolling, with a +16 run differential across their last five. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.298, 20 HR, 67 RBI) and Bo Bichette (81 RBI, .295 AVG) continue to anchor a dangerous order.
Probable Pitchers
| Team | Starter | W-L | ERA | WHIP | IP | H | K | BB | HR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEX | Nathan Eovaldi (RHP) | 10–3 | 1.71 | 0.88 | 116.0 | 81 | 114 | 21 | 8 | A veteran ace in top form. Heavy fastball/slider combo keeps hitters off balance. Rangers’ one clear edge is Eovaldi’s ability to shut down even elite lineups. |
| TOR | José Berríos (RHP) | 9–4 | 3.74 | 1.26 | 142.0 | 130 | 119 | 49 | 20 | Durable but inconsistent. Capable of working deep when his command is sharp, but has been homer-prone, especially vs. lefties. |
Key Players to Watch
Rangers:
- Corey Seager (17 HR, 43 RBI) — must spark a stagnant offense.
- Josh Smith (.263 AVG, .340 OBP) — contact bat who could be leaned on with Garcia out.
- Eovaldi — Texas needs his best to have a chance.
Blue Jays:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — heating up at the right time, showing both power and plate discipline.
- Bo Bichette (81 RBI) — leads the team in production and thrives with runners in scoring position.
- Jose Berríos — key to neutralizing Seager and minimizing Texas’ big-inning potential.
Matchup Breakdown
- Pitching Edge: Slight lean Texas. Eovaldi’s ERA (1.71) and WHIP (0.88) are elite, but run support is a concern.
- Lineup Edge: Toronto. The Jays rank higher in average (.268 vs. .231), slugging, and overall production.
- Bullpen: Blue Jays have a middling ERA (4.22), but Rangers’ recent bullpen implosions offset their slightly better 3.35 ERA.
- Intangibles: Rogers Centre dominance — Jays are 42–20 at home, while Texas is just 24–37 away.
Best Bets
- Blue Jays ML (-110) — Toronto’s balanced lineup should wear down Eovaldi and then feast on Texas’ shaky bullpen.
- Under 8.5 (-120) — With Eovaldi on the mound and Berríos capable of quality starts, runs may be limited early.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to Record an RBI — Vladdy has been locked in at the plate and is Toronto’s best bet to cash in runners.
Prediction
This matchup feels like strength vs. strength: Eovaldi’s dominance against Toronto’s potent lineup. But without Garcia and with Semien banged up, Texas simply doesn’t have the firepower to keep pace. Expect Toronto to win the series sweep at home.
Final Score: Blue Jays 4, Rangers 2
