Overview
The Toronto Blue Jays face the Miami Marlins in the final game of their three-game series on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 1:40 PM EDT at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. The Blue Jays lead the series 1-0 after a 5-2 win on Friday, with Saturday’s game still pending. This interleague matchup is crucial for Toronto to maintain their AL East lead and for Miami to avoid a series loss at home. Fans seeking a winning edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring player insights, pitching matchups, and a prediction—unlock more game-changing tips with our exclusive MLB strategies now!
Team Analysis
Toronto Blue Jays
- 2025 Record (as of August 23): 75-54, 1st in AL East
- Performance Overview: The Blue Jays are 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.7 runs/game with a .240 batting average and a 3.27 ERA. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s .298 BA and Bo Bichette’s 82 RBI lead the offense, but injuries to Yimi García (ankle), Bowden Francis (shoulder), and Anthony Santander (shoulder) test their depth.
- Strengths: Elite team batting (.267 BA, 1st in MLB), best on-base percentage (.337), and a 35-25 record as favorites.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent road offense (4.3 runs/game) and a 33-33 road record.
- Player to Watch: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B) – His .298 BA, 21 HRs, 69 RBI, and 4-for-10 with 2 RBI in the last 3 games make him a power threat.
Miami Marlins
- 2025 Record (as of August 23): 60-68, 3rd in NL East
- Performance Overview: The Marlins are 3-7 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.6 runs/game with a .235 batting average and a 4.71 ERA. Xavier Edwards’ .297 BA and Otto Lopez’s 11 HRs drive the offense, but injuries to Braxton Garrett (elbow), Max Meyer (hip), and Andrew Nardi (back) hurt their pitching.
- Strengths: Competitive as underdogs (50-56) and a strong infield defense (3rd-best in MLB).
- Weaknesses: Struggling pitching (4.71 ERA, 25th in MLB) and a 29-34 home record.
- Player to Watch: Xavier Edwards (SS) – His .297 BA, 5-for-12 in the last 5 games, and speed (28 SB) make him a key contact hitter.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Blue Jays lead the 2025 season series 6-4, including a 5-2 win on August 22. The teams split a three-game series in Toronto earlier this season.
- Recent Encounter: On August 22, Toronto won 5-2, with Shane Bieber’s 9 Ks and Daulton Varsho’s 2-for-4 with a HR and 3 RBI outshining Ryan Gusto’s loss for Miami.
- Key Insight: Toronto’s offensive consistency has given them an edge, but Miami’s home bats and defense could keep this game close.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Jays | Kevin Gausman (RHP) | 8-9 | 3.78 | 147.2 | 142 | 1.063 |
| Marlins | Eury Pérez (RHP) | 5-3 | 3.48 | 64.2 | 66 | 1.01 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Kevin Gausman (Blue Jays)
- Strengths: Solid 3.78 ERA, 8.7 K/9, and a .211 opponent BA, with 5 IP and 2 ER in his last start vs. Pittsburgh. He’s 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 3 career starts vs. Miami.
- Negatives: Inconsistent road starts (3.49 ERA in 13 starts) could be targeted by Edwards and Lopez’s contact hitting.
- Eury Pérez (Marlins)
- Strengths: Strong 3.48 ERA, 9.2 K/9, and a .178 opponent BA, with 2.08 ERA in 5 home starts. He held St. Louis to 1 ER in 4.1 IP on August 18.
- Negatives: Recent struggles (5 HRs allowed in last 3 starts) and limited innings (4.1 IP in last outing) could be exploited by Guerrero and Bichette.
Key Players to Monitor
- Toronto Blue Jays:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B): .298 BA, 21 HRs, 69 RBI, hot with 4-for-10 in last 3 games.
- Bo Bichette (SS): .298 BA, 82 RBI, hitting .306 with 4 doubles in last 10 games.
- George Springer (RF): 21 HRs, .366 BA in last 10 games, with 4 HRs and 7 RBI.
- Miami Marlins:
- Xavier Edwards (SS): .297 BA, 5-for-12 in last 5 games, a contact and speed threat.
- Otto Lopez (2B): .240 BA, 11 HRs, 3-for-9 in last 3 games, strong vs. righties.
- Agustín Ramírez (C): .234 BA, 18 HRs, hitting .250 in last 5 games.
Recent Performance
- Toronto Blue Jays: At 75-54, the Blue Jays are 6-4 in their last 10, scoring 47 runs while allowing 33, with their pitching excelling in this series.
- Miami Marlins: At 60-68, the Marlins are 3-7 in their last 10, scoring 46 runs and allowing 51, with their offense showing flashes but pitching struggling.
Critical Factors
- Venue: loanDepot park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions (3.80 park ERA) favor Gausman and Pérez, but Toronto’s high-contact bats could challenge Miami’s defense.
- Weather: Forecasted at 87°F with partly cloudy skies and a light breeze, ideal for a competitive game.
- Momentum: Toronto’s series lead and 6-4 season edge contrast with Miami’s recent 3-7 slump and home struggles.
- Betting Odds: Blue Jays favored at -130, with over/under at 8, reflecting Toronto’s offensive edge and a balanced pitching matchup.
Prediction
The Toronto Blue Jays hold a slight edge in this matchup, driven by Kevin Gausman’s 3.78 ERA and strong history against Miami, compared to Eury Pérez’s 3.48 ERA but recent home-run issues. The Marlins’ contact hitters, led by Edwards and Lopez, could keep it close by exploiting Gausman’s road inconsistencies, but Toronto’s power bats, sparked by Guerrero and Springer, should capitalize on Pérez’s vulnerabilities. The Blue Jays’ bullpen will likely secure a late lead.
Final Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays win, 5-4. Guerrero drives in 2 runs, and Gausman pitches six quality innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Toronto Blue Jays (-130) – Gausman’s reliability and Toronto’s offensive strength make them a solid pick.
- Over 8 Runs – Both teams’ potent offenses and Pérez’s recent HR issues suggest a high-scoring game.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to Record an RBI (+120) – His .298 BA and hot streak offer strong value against Pérez.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 23, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on FDSFL or SNET.
