The Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their midweek series on Wednesday afternoon at PNC Park. First pitch is set for 12:35 PM ET, with Toronto sending veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt to the mound against Pirates’ righty Johan Oviedo. The Blue Jays enter as road favorites, priced around -160, while the total is listed at 8.5 runs.
Team Analysis
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays remain locked in the thick of the AL playoff race, and Chris Bassitt has been a steady anchor in their rotation. His mix of sinkers and cutters keeps hitters off balance, and he’s quietly been one of Toronto’s most reliable arms. Offensively, Toronto leans heavily on Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., both of whom have started to find their power strokes after slow starts. The Jays’ lineup has been streaky this season, but against a hittable Pirates staff, they’ll look to capitalize.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh has been one of MLB’s trickiest teams to evaluate. At home, they’ve shown flashes of promise, particularly with young talents like Oneil Cruz and Ke’Bryan Hayes leading the charge. Johan Oviedo, however, has struggled with command and tends to give up hard contact when behind in counts. The Pirates’ bullpen has been heavily taxed in recent weeks, which could put added pressure on Oviedo to deliver length.
Matchup Breakdown
The key factor here is pitching stability. Bassitt has a proven track record of handling lineups and navigating traffic, while Oviedo has struggled to find consistency. Toronto’s deeper bullpen and stronger top of the order should give them an edge in the later innings. The Pirates may need early production from Cruz and Hayes to avoid falling behind quickly.
Best Bets
- Pick: Toronto Blue Jays ML (-160) – Bassitt gives them a reliable edge, and the Jays’ offense should find chances against Oviedo.
- Total Pick: Over 8.5 – Both lineups are capable of runs, and with a day game at PNC, the ball tends to travel a bit better.
- Player Prop: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to record an RBI – Guerrero has heated up at the plate and matches up well against Oviedo’s fastball-heavy approach.
Prediction
This feels like a spot where Toronto should handle business. The Jays’ veterans provide more stability in both lineup and rotation, while Pittsburgh remains volatile from game to game.
Final Score Prediction: Blue Jays 6, Pirates 4
